Lidl breaks silence on rumoured opening date of new store

The Lidl, based on Brinkworth Road in Royal Wootton Bassett, has been a long time coming, after plans were initially given the green light back in 2023.

Construction at the former green field first began in January 2025 and progress has been documented by the Swindon Advertiser throughout the year.

In early January 2026, the Adver was informed by Lidl that the store would be opening "within the coming weeks."

The firm was not able to give an exact opening date, however, an anonymous post appeared days later in Royal Wootton Bassett's community Facebook group, announcing: "It's almost time."

The post claimed that the new store would be opening on Friday, January 30, 2026.

Lidl construction began almost exactly one year ago (Image: Newsquest)

Putting these claims to Lidl, the Swindon Advertiser can now confirm that this opening date is incorrect.

While the supermarket giant still has yet to announce when its new Royal Wootton Bassett store will open, it has categorically denied existing rumours.

A spokesperson for Lidl stated that a correct date would be issued via the press before the end of January.

The new store opening date has been speculated by eagle-eyed residents (Image: Newsquest)

Here's how the site looked before construction began (Image: Dave Cox)

Once open, the site will include a large supermarket, a 125-space car park with electric vehicle charging, and a 2.15-hectare country park adjacent to the store at Marsh Farm.

Jobs at the new Lidl were first advertised in November 2025, and promised that workers would "never be bored" at the store, which is expected to be busy.

Speaking exclusively to the Swindon Advertiser, Glen Stidever, regional head of property at Lidl GB, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be a step closer to serving our affordable, high-quality products to residents in Royal Wootton Bassett.

"Once opened, shoppers will no longer have to travel further afield for their shopping needs.

"Thank you to everyone who has supported us on our journey so far - we can’t wait to welcome you through our doors, which are on track to open early next year.”

Here's how the finished supermarket and country park is expected to look (Image: Wiltshire Council)

The upcoming opening is also good news for the adjacent country park being built by Lidl's contractors Tinnelly Construction at the same site.

When plans for the supermarket were approved, a condition was put in place by Wiltshire Council stating that Lidl can't open the store until landscaping for the country park is complete.

"The proposed woodland and open space next to the store would open up the site for the whole community to enjoy," said Lidl in its application.