Retailer Lidl has announced it is to open a new store at a site in south Belfast.

The building will be developed at the former Carryduff Centre site and the store is to officially open on 19 July this year.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council approved the redevelopment plans in May 2017.

Green Party representative Simon Lee welcomed the announcement.

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He said: "The Carryduff Centre has lain virtually vacant for the last couple of years, apart from a handful of businesses in the adjoined mews, and has become something of an eyesore.

"Given that there is no visible evidence of any work having commenced, many local residents have expressed concerns to me that the redevelopment may have stalled or been postponed.

"I have now contacted the developers and LIDL directly, and I am delighted to say that LIDL have confirmed that they are aiming to open the Carryduff store on July 19 2018.

"This new store will massively boost the town's economy, and provide local access to food and provisions that have been unavailable for a number of years."

(CD/LM)