A NEW Lidl store - one of the largest in the UK - has opened in Maryport.
The supermarket in Curzon Street was opened on Thursday by town mayor Linda Radcliffe, Allerdale mayor Celia Tibble and Allerdale councillor Carni McCarron-Holmes.
The German discount chain has created up to 40 jobs at the store, which it describes as a "Lidl of the future", modelled on more upmarket chains to try to attract a more affluent clientele.
Lidl announced its intention to build in Maryport in July 2014.
Work on the 2,470sq m store began last year.
The site is owned by Allerdale council and was offered for sale as part of a deal being managed by the Allerdale Investment Partnership.
The initiative was established for the council to dispose of surplus assets and deliver development opportunities.
The store boasts an in-store bakery, longer-style tills with dual packing facilities, customer toilets, baby changing facilities and parking for cars and bicycles.
A Lidl spokeswoman said: "The supermarket marks a substantial investment in Maryport and forms part of the company’s ongoing expansion plans in the UK."
Lidl also wants to build a store in Cockermouth.
It has applied to Allerdale Council for permission to demolish Fairfield Garage, Travis Perkins and West Cumberland Farmers and build a replacement pet and equestrian store and food store.
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