New Lidl store creates 31 jobs as third Ipswich branch opens

The big picture: The new supermarket, built on the former B&Q garden centre site, was officially opened by pupils from Whitehouse Community Primary School at 8am on Thursday.

The details:

• The store is owned by Ipswich Borough Assets (IBA), the council's property arm, and leased to the German-owned discount chain.

• It carries Lidl's full product range, including the popular 'Middle of Lidl' promotional items.

• The new branch joins existing Lidl stores at Futura Park and at the junction of Handford Road and London Road.

By the numbers:

• Third Lidl store in Ipswich

• 31 new jobs created, with some staff transferring from nearby stores

• The store opened at 8am on Thursday

Opening hours: The store follows standard retail opening hours, with longer shopping hours available during the week and Saturdays compared to Sunday trading.

• Monday to Saturday: 08:00-22:00

• Sunday: 10:00-16:00

Bottom line: The opening strengthens Lidl's presence in Ipswich while bringing new life to a previously vacant retail site. The council maintains ownership through its property arm, IBA.