Lidl's decision to abandon drive-through plans highlights community concerns over local traffic issues.
Lidl has made a significant move by officially scrapping its plans to set up two drive-through food outlets at its newly acquired site in south Belfast. This decision comes hot on the heels of considerable public backlash over potential traffic congestion in the area.
What does this mean for the community and Lidl’s future plans?
Background on the Development
Let’s rewind a bit. Lidl, the German supermarket giant, snagged the former Homebase complex at Galwally for £7.5 million towards the end of 2024.
This deal was struck with Rathbane Holdings, owned by Brian McConville, after the DIY retailer shut its doors in November 2024. The Homebase store, conveniently located across from the Forestside Shopping Centre, ceased operations in early 2025.
Fast forward to May 2025, and Lidl had big ambitions for the site.
The company announced plans to redevelop it, aiming to open its second supermarket in south Belfast. They submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, outlining intentions to demolish the existing structure and replace it with a brand new supermarket, alongside several other facilities.
The PAN didn’t stop there; it also included proposals for a leisure-use building, a drive-through café, and, of course, the now-abandoned drive-through restaurant. A public consultation was held over the summer, allowing the community to voice their thoughts on these ambitious plans. But how did the local residents really feel about it?
Public Reaction and Changes in Plans
Local officials, such as SDLP councillor Séamas de Faoite and South Belfast MLA Matthew O’Toole, confirmed that Lidl had informed them of its decision to drop the two drive-through restaurants. The crux of this change? Concerns over increased traffic and congestion.
“Residents really made their voices heard earlier this summer,” Cllr de Faoite stated. “We have been delighted to work with them from the very beginning to ensure that the community’s voice is respected, advocating for alternatives that do not exacerbate traffic and congestion.”
The nearby Forestside shopping centre has been bustling with activity under new ownership. Michael and Lesley Herbert acquired the property for £42 million in 2023, and since then, popular food chains like Popeyes and Nando’s have opened new outlets at the Upper Galwally end of the site, directly across from the former Homebase entrance.
“While we support development and investment, the reality is that there is already too much traffic in this area,” Mr. O’Toole remarked. “Introducing more drive-through restaurants would only contribute to the existing congestion, which we are trying to alleviate.”
Next Steps for Lidl
So, what’s next for Lidl? The supermarket chain is now expected to reevaluate its development plans before submitting a full planning application later this year. A spokesperson for Lidl shared, “Lidl Northern Ireland is committed to realizing a store at Galwally in South Belfast. Currently, we have no confirmed plans for the remainder of the site; however, we are continually reviewing this development project as part of our overall expansion strategy in the region and hope to provide an update soon.”
