A Lidl goes a long way: 500 new jobs to come with new Wednesbury distribution centre

Supermarket bosses revealed plans for the 450,000sq ft centre last month to spearhead its future expansion and serve stores across the region.

And officials today said under current plans, construction of the building - which measures the equivalent of six professional football pitches - was due to begin in late summer or early autumn this year.

The new centre will be built on land near to Junction 9 of the M6.

Detailed plans for the design and layout of the new base are being drawn up ahead of them being lodged with Sandwell Council.

But council leader Councillor Darren Cooper said once the work had been completed and planning approval given the scheme was expected to 'come together very quickly'.

Councillor Cooper said he did not believe there would by any problems in permission being given.

"My understanding is once the necessary permission has been given the company will work quickly to get the new site up-and-running at the earliest opportunity," he said.

"From what I have been told we will start to see construction taking place by late-summer or early-autumn this year.

"In terms of the new centre being operational I believe we are looking at this time next year .

"Once it all begins the project will come together very quickly.

"Obviously the plans are still at a stage where things could change but that is how I understand the timescale at the moment.

"This is a major development for Sandwell and will have a very positive economic impact on the area. Our officers will be working with the company on the project."

Officials said the centre would create both managerial and office-based jobs, in addition to full-time warehouse roles operating on a three-shift basis, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Bosses from Lidl looked at a number of sites for the development but opted for the Wednesbury site because it wanted to access a 'sufficiently large employment pool'.

Members of Sandwell Council's recruitment team will be working with the retailer to ensure jobs are secured for residents in the area.

Lidl bosses said the centre was a key part of its continuing expansion across the country.

The supermarket giant has conditionally acquired the site from land owner St Francis Group and is working with Opus Land to develop it.