PLANS for a major supermarket chain expanding in Workington look to be in doubt after the company are advertising the sale of land set for the new development.

Lidl, a major supermarket chain announced plans to build a new store in Workington back in 2019, when they purchased vacant land opposite Borough Park, off the A597, near the existing Tesco supermarket from the Allerdale Investment Partnership back in 2019.

In late 2022 Lidl GB confirmed that its new supermarket on New Bridge Road, Workington, will be going ahead following the Court's decision to dismiss a legal challenge from Tesco, which sought to quash planning permission granted by Allerdale Borough Council in the April of the same year.

In November 2022 Lidl GB’s regional head of property, David Murphy, commented: "For the communities we serve, this is more important now than ever before, and as the cost-of-living-crisis deepens we know that any delays to a Lidl store opening in Workington would have come as a huge blow to many.

“We are therefore delighted with the Court’s decision and grateful to Allerdale Borough Council for defending their decision so robustly, to help ensure that households in Workington have greater choice so that they can make bigger savings on their shopping.

"We would like to take the opportunity to also extend our sincere thanks to the community for their continued support."

However, plans now look to be in doubt following the advertising of the land on the Lidl GB website, stating that the land is up for immediate sale for any interested parties who would look to purchase the 'development site'.

Documents supporting the sale, created by Savills said: "Workington is the main shopping centre for West Cumbria with a market town and industrial heritage. The site adjoins a proven and established Tesco foodstore.

"It is strategically located at the heart of the road infrastructure in the town providing ease of access to draw from the Workington catchment population and further afield"

Documents also say that the site is held on a freehold basis and restricted for food retail only until February 2028.

Lidl GB have been approached for comment on the situation.