A disused fire station site in north Liverpool is set to be bulldozed to make way for a new Lidl supermarket, with plans to create up to 40 jobs. The German retail giant aims to transform the former Croxteth fire station and training centre on Storrington Avenue into its ninth store in the city.
Site Vacated in 2024
The site was vacated by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service in May 2024, when firefighters moved to a new location in Fazakerley. The land is currently vacant and comprises previously developed land within a predominantly residential area. According to planning documents, the site contains a range of buildings associated with its former operational use, including fire appliance bays, office accommodation, garaging, a dedicated training centre, smoke house, and other purpose-built fire training areas.
Proposed Development Details
The proposed building will be a single-storey retail unit set back from Storrington Avenue, with a large surface-level car park providing 120 spaces for customers and staff. Existing buildings, which vary in height, scale, massing, materials, and design quality due to piecemeal development over time, would be demolished.
The surrounding area features residential development to the east, south, and west, cemeteries to the north and west, and St John Bosco College immediately to the east. While Liverpool Council encouraged Lidl to deliver the shopfront directly on Storrington Avenue during pre-application discussions, the company argued this would create adverse effects on site layout. Such an arrangement would require customers to cross the main access route four times on foot, creating a barrier to movement, particularly for the less mobile and those with children. The proposed layout is considered the most efficient, attractive, and accessible solution.
Decision Expected Next Week
Lidl began trading in the UK in November 1994 and now operates almost 1,000 stores across the country. A decision on the planning application will be made by city councillors at Liverpool Town Hall on June 30. If approved, the new store is expected to create up to 40 new jobs for the local community.
