SUPERMARKET bosses say the revamp at the Lidl store in Northwich will improve the shopping experience for its customers.

The Chester Way store re-opened on Thursday after being closed since the end of April for a major makeover.

Lidl said the work at the store had involved “a significant refurbishment of all its facilities”.

“The new and improved supermarket will enhance the shopping experience for customers, with the store boasting state-of-the-art facilities in a spacious and modern sales area,” said a Lidl spokesman.

“This includes new customer toilets as well as a self-contained bakery area, increasing our range of multi-award winning bakery products served in the local area.

“The revamp marks a substantial investment by Lidl UK in the Cheshire area, and forms part of the company’s ongoing expansion and improvement plans across the UK.

“The supermarket has an ambition to grow its store portfolio from 630 to 1,500 in the long-term.”

Lidl UK Head of Property, Stuart Jardine, said: “With strong sales growth continuing for Lidl across the UK, we are constantly investing in our existing locations, as well as building new stores.

“We’re very excited to reopen our doors in the heart of Northwich, and look forward to serving our award-winning produce to customers once again.”

The store opened 11 years ago, and Cheshire West and Chester Council granted planning permission for the work in October.

The council also gave the go-ahead in February to increase opening hours to 8am to 10pm from Monday to Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

“The upgrading of older stores, such as the Northwich store, has become a priority,” said a report accompanying the planning application.

“The proposals comprise a comprehensive package of works that will deliver a significant enhancement to the appearance, function and efficiency of the existing store.

“The development will deliver investment in a town centre store, which will enhance the appearance of the building and contribute to the character of the area.

“The proposals will also enable the store to function more efficiently, with the quality of the internal shopping environment being significantly enhanced.”