Lidl to bring 500 jobs with new Wednesbury base

The proposed centre will measure 450,000 sq ft, the equivalent of six professional football pitches, and be built on land near to junction nine.

Bosses from the retailer said the new centre would spearhead future expansion across the entire region and will serve stores across the region.

It will create managerial and office-based jobs in addition to full-time warehouse roles operating on a three-shift basis, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

The announcement has been welcomed by Sandwell Council with bosses saying it will be a boost to the economy in Sandwell.

Officials said its recruitment team would be working with the retailer to make sure it secured the jobs for people in the area and maximised the economic benefit to the borough.

Sandwell Council leader, Councillor Darren Cooper welcomed the announcement.

"This is excellent news for Sandwell because it will have a significant positive economic impact," he said.

"I understand Lidl had looked at a number of sites but opted for this location because the company wanted to access a sufficiently large employment pool.

"We will be working closely with Lidl on recruitment to secure these jobs for local people."

Spokesman for Lidl UK Ingo Fischer said the new warehouse would help to service stores across the West Midlands.

"Our expansion across the UK continues.

"We are looking forward to offering our products to more customers, as well as bringing new jobs and investment to the area in the not-too-distant future."

Lidl has conditionally acquired the site from land owner St Francis Group and is working with Opus Land to develop it.

Planning permission is already in place at the site for an industrial development of up to 597,000 sq ft.

It is anticipated that detailed plans for the design and layout of the new facility will be submitted to the council for consideration in the coming months - although an exact timescale has not yet been set.

Managing director of Opus Land Richard Smith said: "I am delighted to see plans for this development have been successfully concluded.

"This is a major distribution centre for Lidl and will bring a wide range of benefits to the borough of Sandwell."

Director of St Francis Group Gareth Williams added: "We have always known this land is an excellent site with fantastic potential.

"It was always our intention to attract a single large user so we couldn't be happier to see Lidl move onto the site.

"This deal will provide Lidl with a great location for its distribution centre which in turn will help boost the economy in Sandwell."