Multi-million pound scheme in Garforth to create over 100 jobs

More than 100 jobs are set to be created after planning approval was granted for a mixed-use development in a Leeds suburb, featuring a new supermarket, family pub and retail units.

Leeds City Council has backed proposals by Lidl for the redevelopment of the former MIAMI building, on Aberford Road in Garforth.

The multi-million pound scheme will create 40 jobs in the Lidl store, whilst a further 90 jobs are expected to be created in the family pub and non-food retail units.

The scheme also includes an associated parking (around 300 spaces), landscaping and highways works.

Lidl hope to start construction of the new supermarket by the end of the summer and will soon announce details of whom will operate the public house and retail unit as conversations are currently underway with potential occupants.

Chris Darley, planning director at the Leeds office of planning consultancy Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners (NLP), who acted as agents for Lidl, said: “This development will deliver significant benefits for the local area, including increased choice for food shopping and new job creation.

“We have engaged closely with the local community on the proposals and it commands overwhelming public support.

“Following a public consultation event held at the start of the year, over two-thirds of those people who attended indicated that they supported the proposals and were particularly welcoming of Lidl into Garforth in order to improve choice and competition.

“We are delighted that Council Members have recognised these benefits in supporting the planning application.”

Mr Darley added: “The MIAMI building has a history of long term vacancy and under-occupation and this redevelopment will help to make more productive use of the site, whilst also resulting in improvements to the local traffic network, including a new access road into the site.”