Panto legend May McFettridge to open new £5m Lidl Northern Ireland store in North Belfast

Posted By:
The Consello Group

4th Nov 2025

The stage is set for Lidl Northern Ireland to open its latest, state-of-the-art store at Ballysillan Road in North Belfast on Thursday 13 November, with local panto legend May McFettridge set to cut the ribbon at the retailer’s 44th store in the region.

Representing a local investment of more than £5m and creating 25 permanent new job opportunities within the community, the opening marks a significant milestone in Lidl Northern Ireland’s £150 million investment and expansion programme, announced last year.

Lidl Northern Ireland will also celebrate the new store opening by donating £1,000 in store vouchers to two local charities, Baby Bank at Joanmount Methodist Church and Benview Community Centre, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting local communities and causes. The first ten customers across the doors on opening morning will also receive a voucher to spend in-store.

The newly redeveloped outlet, spanning 1721sq. m with an expansive 1265sq. m sales floor, has been modernised in line with Lidl’s concept design, delivering a brighter, and more customer-centric shopping experience. Enhanced parking for 108 vehicles as well as two electric vehicle charging points also feature in the build.

As part of Lidl Northern Ireland’s continued investment across the region, the revitalisation of the previously vacant site in the heart of North Belfast, reflects the retailer’s commitment to driving economic growth, strengthening its footprint in Northern Ireland, and not only serving local customers but contributing to the communities it operates in.

The store will offer an expansive product range, featuring top-quality fresh produce, Northern Irish-sourced products, and award-winning Lidl own-brand ranges.

Commenting on yet another milestone for the retailer, Regional Managing Director for Lidl Northern Ireland Gordon Cruikshanks said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to close the year with the reopening of Lidl Northern Ireland in Ballysillan, expanding our presence in the Greater Belfast area and driving our continued growth across the region.

This redevelopment reflects our long-term commitment to the area and to providing our customers with the highest-quality shopping experience. The new concept store showcases the very best of what Lidl Northern Ireland has to offer – from an expanded product range and enhanced layout to improved energy efficiency and sustainability features throughout the building.

 We’re also proud to continue supporting local employment, both through our dedicated team here in Ballysillan and our wider regional operations. We look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new customers to experience our new store, just in time for Christmas.”

Speaking ahead of the opening, Dame May McFettridge said: “Well, aren’t we the talk of the town! It’s great to see a bit of investment in North Belfast, and I’m looking forward to seeing those opening day crowds like it’s the Grand Opera House panto at Christmas!

I can’t wait to get my paws on those famous ‘middle aisle’ bargains. I’ve already written my shopping list and plan on getting my three essentials: a bottle of something fizzy for me, a big bag of the nicest wee biscuits you’ll ever taste, and a new cardigan. You can take the girl out of North Belfast, but you can’t take the bargain hunting out of May McFettridge!”

For more information visit www.lidl-ni.co.uk