Lidl has announced plans to open hundreds of new stores across the country.

A list of locations where the discount retailer would like to have a shop includes seven in Wiltshire and Swindon.

The expansion is expected to create thousands of jobs in a year following significant investment in the supermarket’s infrastructure.

Richard Taylor, Lidl GB Chief Development Officer, commented: “We’re planning to open hundreds of new Lidl stores but ultimately see no ceiling on our ambition or growth potential.

“This is why we’re continuing to invest in new locations whilst exploring innovative routes to expansion. 

“As we look ahead, we’re excited to welcome even more new shoppers to our existing stores, as well as those we’re planning to open across the country in the coming months and years.”

The discounter is specifically looking for sites in prominent locations with easy access and strong pedestrian or traffic flow, with 1.5 or more acres for a standalone store and up to four acres for mixed-use schemes. 

Sites should allow for unit sizes between 18,000 and 26,500 sq ft and over 100 dedicated car parking spaces, and Lidl’s flexible approach means it will consider freehold, leasehold or long leasehold opportunities.

Since establishing itself in Great Britain in 1994, Lidl has over 32,000 employees, over 960 stores and 14 distribution centres in England, Scotland and Wales.

A full list of desired locations released by The Sun includes the following seven sites in Wiltshire and Swindon:

Bradford on Avon

Corsham

Marlborough

Swindon - South

Swindon - West

Trowbridge - South

Wroughton

The following places are wanted in the surrounding area:

Bath - Central

Bath - East

Bath - South

Bridgwater - South

Bristol - Bradley Stoke

Bristol - Clifton

Bristol - Downend/Staple Hill

Bristol - Emersons Green (relocation)

Bristol - Stoke Bishop

Bristol - Westbury on Trym

Bristol - Whitchurch

Cheddar

Cheltenham - South West

Cinderford (relocation)

Dursley (relocation)

Frome (relocation)

Gloucester - East

Keynsham

Midsomer Norton (relocation)

Moreton-in-Marsh

Nailsea

Nailsworth

Shepton Mallet

Southmead (relocation)

Tewkesbury

Weston-super-Mare

Yatton