Supermarket to boost Knottingley

Work on a new Lidl supermarket and retail development in Knottingley is expected to be complete by October. Pictured Coun Graham Stokes

Cut-price retailer Lidl will open a food store as part of a new retail development called The Close.

The scheme, which is being built on the site of the former library just off Hill Top, will also include other shops, offices and cafes.

Knottingley councillor Graham Stokes said: “The building is half-built and all of the framework is in place.

“There are several reasons why this development will be great for Knottingley.

“It will give shoppers more choice in the town and hopefully encourage more people to shop in Knottingley.”

The scheme includes the supermarket and five new units that can be used for shops, offices, restaurants and cafes.

It is part of the council’s 20-year Knottingley and Ferrybridge delivery plan, which council chiefs say will lead to the towns becoming “economically successful and thriving” communities.

Ferrybridge Power Station will close by the end of March 2016 with the loss of up to 400 jobs and Kellingley Colliery will also close by the end of the year, with 700 workers losing their jobs at the Weeland Road site.

Coun Stokes said: “This project will also create some much needed jobs for the town.

“We are going to lose a lot of jobs when Ferrybridge Power Station and Kellingley Colliery close and we are trying to create as many jobs as we can for the area to try and minimise the impact.

“The scheme will also tidy up Hill Top and develop the land.

A spokeswoman for Lidl said the shop is expected to open on November 12.

Coun Denise Jeffery, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth and skills, said: “This is fantastic for the district which will help boost our local economy, build on investment in the area as well as creating various jobs for residents.”