TWO local areas are on supermarket chain Lidl's wish list of locations for potential new stores.

The news comes as the discounter announces plans to open hundreds of new stores across the country, creating thousands of new jobs. 

Searching for sites

Lidl has a strong presence in St Helens already, with stores in St Helens and Blackbrook.

This week it revealed a wish list of areas across the country where it hopes to locate new stores.

Among the areas the company is targeting are Rainhill and Prescot.

The discounter says it is doubling down on its commitment to making good food accessible to everyone.

New store openings will see Lidl reach thousands of additional households across the country and grow its market share further.

In a statement, Richard Taylor, Lidl GB chief development officer, said: “Having fortified our infrastructure with significant investments like Luton, which is the largest warehouse in the Lidl world, we're proud to have achieved record market share this month.

"We have also been the fastest-growing bricks and mortar supermarket for the past seven months in a row.

"With an exceptional store network and our laser focus on operational excellence, we’re welcoming more customers through our doors than ever before, which positions us perfectly for continued expansion.

“As we celebrate our 30th year, our commitment to ensuring that all households across the country have access to high quality produce at affordable prices is stronger than ever. We’re planning to open hundreds of new Lidl stores but ultimately see no ceiling on our ambition or growth potential.

"This is why we’re continuing to invest in new locations whilst exploring innovative routes to expansion.

"As we look ahead, we’re excited to welcome even more new shoppers to our existing stores, as well as those we’re planning to open across the country in the coming months and years.”

What Lidl is searching for

Should a site be successfully identified, the discounter says it will pay a finders’ fee of either 1.5 per cent of the total freehold purchase price, or 10 per cent of the first year’s rent for leaseholds, which would equate to £22,500 for a completed £1.5m site purchase.

Lidl say it is specifically looking for sites in prominent locations with easy access and strong pedestrian or traffic flow, with 1.5+ acres for a standalone store and up to four acres for mixed-use schemes.

A statement from the company read: "Sites should allow for unit sizes between 18,000 and 26,500 sq ft and over 100 dedicated car parking spaces, and Lidl’s flexible approach means it will consider freehold, leasehold or long leasehold opportunities."