THE new Lidl store on Batten Drive opposite Winyates is not expected to open until mid to late June of this year.
The supermarket was reluctantly approved by Redditch planners back in November 2020, despite an array of eloquent speakers against it who voiced hears over the traffic it would attract.
Borough councillors had feared being challenged by a planning appeal had they turned the planning application it down.
Now, despite the shell of the building being completed, some issues still need to be addressed, namely the building of a mini island separating vehicles going to and from Arrow Valley Park and the shop, and a traffic light controlled pedestrian crossing over Battens Drive.
“With events like the fireworks display we would have to close off Battens Drive and barrier which cost us a lot of money, so we could shepherd people across the road at the end of the evening,” said former leisure portfolio holder Mike Rouse, who is the Conservative candidate in the local elections for Church Hill.
“But with a pedestrian crossing installed it raises the possibility of not having to close Battens for such a long period or not at all.
“I also think it will benefit residents in Hopyard Lane who often have trouble getting out on to Battens Drive.”
However acknowledged though that a crossing might also lead to traffic backing up along Battens Lane and onto the island of the Coventry Highway, although he said the sliproads there were long enough to prevent the highway itself being affected.
Other candidates for the Church Hill ward include Bill Hartnett (Labour Party) and Mark Tomes (Liberal Democrat Party).
The new store, on the site of the health and fitness club and beauty salon by the entrance to Arrow Valley Country Park, will extend to a retail space of just over 1,000 square metres, have parking for 95 cars, 10 motorcycles and 40 bicycles.
