11 new Lidl supermarkets could open in Bristol - full list of areas earmarked including Keynsham and Bradley Stoke

A whopping 11 new Lidl supermarkets could soon land in Bristol as the retailer plans a huge expansion across the UK. The discount grocer opened 50 new stores last year but has its sights set even higher in the long-term as it looks to open more than 1,100 new sites in total.

It comes after a record number of new shoppers descended on the supermarket chain in 2022, with 1.4 million switching to Lidl from other stores amid the cost of living crisis. The retailer has now published a list of hundreds of “priority” locations in which it would like to open stores in future.

The desired sites span areas including Scotland, the north of England, Wales, the Midlands, central England, as well as the east and south of England. 11 Bristol sites have been earmarked for potential new stores, including:

• Bedminster
• Bradley Stoke
• Clifton
• Downend/Staple Hill
• Emersons Green
• Fishponds
• Nailsea
• Keynsham
• Stoke Bishop
• Westbury-on-Trym
• Whitchurch

Outlining its national site requirements, Lidl said it was looking for prominent areas that offer easy access and a strong pedestrian or traffic flow. Unit sizes should also be between 18,000 and 26,000 square feet and have 100 or more parking spaces.

Richard Taylor, Lidl’s GB chief development officer, said: “Our store expansion has been and continues to be unparalleled.” He also added Lidl “won’t be stopping there”.

“Our vision is to have over 1,100 stores in the future, but really there’s no ceiling on our ambition or growth potential,” said Mr Taylor. “What’s important is that we take a strategic and sustainable approach to getting there.”

Lidl already operates numerous stores across Bristol, including its newly-opened supermarket in the old H&M building on Union Street.