Lidl opened its doors for the first time in Bulwell on Thursday (February, 22) to a crowd of people who all hoped to be the first into the long awaited store.

The budget supermarket in Jennison Street was opened at 8am by the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Robin Hood and the first person in the queue - Andy Lao.

Speaking just after he was the first customer through the doors, Mr Lao, 44, an NHS worker who lives in Bulwell, said: "I have been here since half six, I didn't have to wait too long really. I got here nice and early and took a few selfies and then waited for it to open.

The first customer Andy Lao entering the shop
The first customer Andy Lao entering the shop

"I only came for some croissants. I didn't expect to be cutting a ribbon and getting a bottle of champagne. I might have to buy some Parma ham and eggs now and have a celebration breakfast.

"I have been living in Bulwell now for 14 years and it is so nice to see something worthwhile built on this patch of land. People will be very happy about the choice they now have and it is good news for the area."

Up to 40 new jobs have been created at the new shop, which is just off Main Street.

Andy Lao of Bulwell with his Champagne
Andy Lao of Bulwell with his Champagne

Unsuitable to develop for housing, the former New Crown Motors site - where the new shop has been built - has remained empty since the car sales forecourt closed in 1999.

Shoppers were happy to see the site developed as it had been left derelict for 20 years.

Amanda Bateman, 43, a nurse, said: "I'm very happy to see this shop here. People around here need a bit more variety and choice and so it is nice to have this option.

"The site here is good as well and local people are generally happy to see it here. I wasn't intending on being here for the opening this morning, I was passing by on my way to the dentist and thought I would pop in."

Bulwell's new Lidl is opened during a ribbon cutting ceremony outside the store

The new Lidl UK store is the latest in a series of improvements to Bulwell. Last year, Costa Coffee opened in the town’s former HSBC Bank building on Main Street and regeneration works to the market place were completed, including new street furniture, increasing seating and opening up spaces.

This follows Bulwell town centre achieving conservation area status in October 2016.

Councillor Mike Edwards, the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, said "isn't this great" as he cut the ribbon.

He said: "Just think what we've had here for 20 years The people of Bulwell have wanted this for ages and at last it is here. What a great day for Lidl opening up a store here as well as all over the country. We are glad to see them here.

"This shop will not only bring choice to the people of Bulwell but it will bring 40 new jobs and for that we are grateful."

Bulwell councillor Jackie Morris said she was "ecstatic" that the shop had finally opened.

She said: "I am over the moon with this, everyone is so happy. This site has been a carbuncle on the edge of Bulwell for so long and it is so nice to have the area rejuvinated.

"This Lidl has given Bulwell a face lift and it has been so tastefully done as well. I have been a councillor now for seven years and in the whole time I have been a councillor this has been in the making so it shows you how long the people of Bulwell have been waiting for this.

"I am so pleased as a Bulwell girl and as a councillor, this is very good news for Bulwell."