Lidl Supermarket Plan Approved

LOWER PROVIDENCE TOWNSHIP (October 24, 2017) – The Lower Providence Township Board of Supervisors has approved the land development plan for a Lidl grocery store at the corner of Ridge Pike and Trooper Road. The store will be built on the long-vacant property that was home for many years to the Norristown Ford dealership. Four lots will be consolidated into two parcels and the site’s existing buildings, including a gas station, will be demolished. A new 36,000 square-foot building will be constructed according to a prototype the retailer has designed specifically for the U.S. market. Lidl plans to subdivide a parcel on the western side of the property.

“The Board of Supervisors is excited to welcome Lidl to Lower Providence. Revitalizing and redeveloping this long-vacant parcel in our township was a top priority for the Supervisors,” said Supervisor Jason Sorgini, vice chairman of the Board. “Lidl will provide new opportunities for our residents and serve as a wonderful gateway into Lower Providence Township.”

Township officials noted that Lidl was responsive to the Township’s request to re-evaluate parking options. The reduction in parking has allowed for the addition of key green spaces, perimeter landscaping and pedestrian connections.

Lidl representative Matthew McHugh, addressing the Board of Supervisors, said, “Lidl recognizes that this is an important site, a gateway site.” He added that Lidl is looking forward to beautifying the corner and that the project includes a monument-style “Welcome to Lower Providence Township” sign.

Lidl’s development plan received recommendation for approval from the Township Planning Commission in September. A discount supermarket chain founded in Germany, Lidl operates over 10,000 stores in 27 countries across Europe. As part of its expansion into the United States, Lidl plans to open approximately 100 stores in the eastern United States by the end of 2018.  To date, 37 stores have opened in the U.S.

Contact:
Denise Walsh, Community Relations Coordinator
dwalsh@lowerprovidence.org, 610-635-3531