Lidl eyes former Seaham factory site for new supermarket

The supermarket chain has announced plans to open its first branch in Seaham.

The store would be built on George Street in Seaham’s industrial estate, on the site of the former Katmex factory.

David Murphy from Lidl said: “We are delighted to unveil plans for our first-ever store in Seaham. A new Lidl store off George Street would provide residents with easy access to our high quality and affordable products, create around 40 local jobs, and bring this site back into productive use.

“We look forward to speaking with residents at our drop-in event and gathering feedback to help shape the progress of this scheme.”

Former Katmex site in Seaham. (Image: Google Maps)

Lidl says the new shop would create around 40 jobs.

Plans also describe a customer car park with parent‑and‑child bays, accessible spaces, EV charging points and cycle parking.

Solar panels are proposed for the store roof, which Lidl says could generate up to a quarter of the energy needs for what would be the first-ever Lidl in Seaham.

A public consultation event will take place on Monday, July 13, at Seaham Library between 4pm and 6.45pm to discuss the plans.

Residents have already been sharing their opinions online, with some welcoming the plans and others raising concerns about potential traffic issues.

One commenter supporting the new store said it would “stop people trailing through Grangetown or Peterlee for Lidl, keeps more shopping local.”

Meanwhile, another wrote: “Traffic will be horrendous… we definitely don’t need a Lidl in Seaham, there’s plenty of shops available.”

Another wrote: “Yes to Lidl, location not so much due to traffic increase getting out on to tempest road.”