Hopes for a Lidl supermarket in Southfields have dimmed after the budget retailer confirmed it has “no firm plans” for the area, despite earlier excitement about a potential takeover of the former Barclays Bank on Replingham Road.
The German discount chain, which had included Southfields in its site requirements brochure, told Putney.news this week that while they continue exploring options, residents shouldn’t expect announcements soon.
“We’re still exploring options to bring a new store to the area, and it remains in our Site Requirements brochure,” a Lidl spokesperson adding. “We don’t currently have any firm plans.”
The news will disappoint many residents who had welcomed the prospect of a budget supermarket option.
Lidl continues to list Southfields in its site requirements documentation, seeking locations of 20,000-26,000 sq ft for potential stores, but the lack of concrete progress suggests any opening remains distant.
Cook opening pushed back
Meanwhile on Upper Richmond Road, upmarket ready-meal retailer Cook has pushed back its opening from December to February after construction delays prevented an August start to shop fitting.
The frozen food specialist, known for its handmade meals, had originally planned a pre-Christmas launch but construction didn’t begin until October and the 14-week construction schedule means it will miss the crucial festive trading period.
“We’re thinking opening will be around February but the date is pretty fluid until we get a bit more underway in the process,” Cook told Putney.news, adding they were “reluctant to share details too early and then move the date.”
The company emphasised the February target remains an estimate, with firm dates to be confirmed once construction progresses further into the new year.
Have you heard about other shops opening or closing in the area? Email news@putney.news
