Lidl has revealed plans to build a new store in Workington, creating up to 40 jobs.

The discount supermarket chain has exchanged contracts with Allerdale Investment Partnership for the site on New Bridge Road.

It will be built on vacant land opposite Borough Park, off the A597, near the existing Tesco supermarket.

Lidl UK’s regional head of property, David Murphy, said: “We are delighted to be proposing to open a new store in Workington, which marks another milestone in our ambitious store expansion programme."

The site was previously surplus land owned by Allerdale council and was transferred to the Allerdale Investment Partnership, a joint venture between Allerdale council and the founders of financial services business IAG.

The partnership sold the land for the Lidl development in Maryport and is also disposing of land on Ashfield Road South in Workington for housing.

Stephen Holland, programme director at Allerdale Investment Partnership,said: “Building on the successful Maryport Lidl development, we’re delighted to announce this exchange of contracts with Lidl to deliver a new supermarket in Workington, creating new jobs and providing a great facility locally.

"This development will be a big boost for the town – making a contribution to Allerdale’s economy as part of our ongoing regeneration strategy.”

The store forms part of the company’s growth plans which will see it open up to 50 new stores a year across Great Britain.