The Times broke the news in February that the German retailer was planning to open in the town after it acquired half of the Homebase unit in Broadwater Lane – opposite Sainsbury’s.
Homebase will continue to trade next door to the new supermarket.
Now Lidl, have confirmed their plans and have begun work on the new supermarket after planning permission was granted by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
Lidl GB’s Regional Head of Property, Adam Forsdick, said: “There’s been much anticipation for this new Lidl store and it’s great that we are now in a position to start construction.
“We are extremely grateful for all the support that we have received so far and would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding whilst we enter this next phase of the development.”
Lidl is working with construction firm STS Thermal Ltd to develop the store, which will create around 40 new jobs when opened.
The fit-out works are expected to take five months, with a view to opening the store in spring 2021.
The new store will have a 1358m² sales area and will also feature facilities including an in-store bakery, customer toilets and ample parking for both cars and bicycles.
The new store plans come after rival budget chain Aldi opened its first supermarket in Tunbridge Wells at the former Toys R Us site at the Great Lodge Retail Park in October last year.
Both chains have outlined ambitious expansion plans, with Aldi planning more than 100 new store openings and Lidl investing £1.45bn in its expansion across Great Britain in 2019 and 2020.
