The new Lidl store in Swanley is physically complete, but customers will have to wait until next year to shop there. Lidl has confirmed that its store on London Road, at the entrance to Swanley, is finished, with only the surrounding roadworks left to complete the site.
Store Finished, Roadworks Ongoing
Planning documents show that the remaining works include the construction of a five-arm roundabout on London Road, outside the 91-space car park. The slip road off London Road has been shut since June for the roadworks, with a notice nearby advertising the duration of the closure as 45 weeks, suggesting an April 2027 completion date.
An opening date for the store has not yet been announced, but a spokesperson for Lidl told the News Shopper that the chain is "targeting an opening early next year." Exact timings will be finalised once the works on the roundabout and access roads are complete, the spokesperson added.
Planning History and Approvals
Plans for the 2,546 sqm store were approved in 2024, despite concerns from residents over traffic and pollution. However, when granting permission, the planning officer for the application said they were "satisfied that the proposal would provide an appropriate form of development in terms of design and amenity."
Several changes to the proposals have been approved since works on the new Lidl started last year, including a revised car park layout. The store is located at the entrance to Swanley, and the roadworks are expected to be completed by April 2027, according to the closure notice.
Impact and Next Steps
The completion of the roundabout and access roads is the final hurdle before the store can open. Once these works are done, Lidl will finalise the opening date, which is currently targeted for early next year. The new store is expected to provide additional shopping options for Swanley residents, although the exact opening date remains dependent on the completion of the roadworks.
