Watford Borough Council has welcomed Lidl GB to Watford town centre after the supermarket signed a 25-year lease for the ground floor and part of the first floor of 29–35 High Street...
The lease, agreed with the council at the beginning of this week, marks another significant milestone in the continued regeneration of Watford town centre. Lidl has now commenced fit-out works ahead of opening its new store.
Watford Borough Council purchased the 45,000 sq ft former Woolworths building in 2009 as part of its long-term strategy to revitalise the town centre and attract major investment. Since then, the council has delivered a programme of transformational improvements that have helped establish Watford as one of the UK's most resilient and successful town centres.
Latest figures show the town centre recorded a vacancy rate of just 9.03% in October 2025, significantly below the national average of 17.8%, reflecting the strength of Watford's retail and leisure offer. The three-storey property occupies a prominent location next to the atrium at Harlequin Watford. The shopping centre welcomed a record 17.1 million visitors in 2024, with footfall in 2025 on course to exceed that figure.
The council's investment has included the £180 million transformation of Charter Place, the pedestrianisation of sections of the High Street, and the installation of security bollards which have reduced unauthorised vehicle access by 62%. Together, these improvements have enhanced air quality, created a safer environment and reinforced the High Street as a destination designed for people.
Lidl GB's arrival forms part of the discounter's ambitious national expansion programme, which will see more than 50 new stores opened over the financial year through an investment of more than £600 million. The expansion is expected to create close to 2,000 new jobs while supporting British agriculture and suppliers, with around two-thirds of Lidl GB's products sourced from British businesses.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: "Securing Lidl for this prominent High Street location is another major vote of confidence in Watford and demonstrates that our long-term investment in the town centre continues to deliver results.
“We bought this building with a clear vision of supporting the future of our High Street and seeing a nationally recognised retailer commit to a 25-year lease is exactly the type of outcome we set out to achieve.
"Our town centre continues to outperform national trends because we have invested in creating an attractive, accessible and vibrant destination. From transforming Charter Place and improving the public realm to making our High Street safer and more welcoming, we are creating the conditions that give businesses the confidence to invest and thrive in Watford."
Joe Loydon, Regional Head of Property at Lidl GB, said: "We're delighted to be bringing Lidl to the heart of Watford through this significant new investment. This location is an excellent fit for our expansion plans and reflects our commitment to providing communities with access to high-quality and great value products.
"We're looking forward to progressing our fit-out works and opening our doors in the future, creating new jobs and becoming part of Watford's thriving town centre."
