A brand new Lidl supermarket is set to be built in Rayleigh, replacing the long-standing Swallow Aquatics store on London Road – a site that’s been home to the popular pet and garden centre since 1976.
The discount supermarket chain has confirmed it is in the process of acquiring the land from Swallow Aquatics, subject to planning approval from Rochford Council. If all goes ahead, the new Lidl store is expected to open in 2026.
Leaflets have already begun dropping through letterboxes in the area, inviting residents to give feedback on the proposals before a formal planning application is submitted.
“Lidl Great Britain are pleased to announce their proposal to deliver a new food store on London Road, Rayleigh,” the leaflet reads.
“As part of our commitment to community engagement, we would like to invite local residents and stakeholders to view and comment on our proposal before we finalise and submit a planning application.”
Swallow Aquatics to relocate after 49 years
The move marks the end of an era for Swallow Aquatics, which has served local animal lovers and gardeners for nearly five decades. The shop confirmed the sale of the site and its plans to relocate to a smaller premises within a five-mile radius.
In a public statement, the owners said:
“After 49 years of service since 1976, we have reached an agreement to sell our Rayleigh site on London Road to Lidl GB, pending planning approval. As we prepare for this transition, we are actively seeking a new, smaller site. Rest assured, it remains business as usual for now, and our services will continue uninterrupted during this period.”
Swallow Aquatics also confirmed they plan to celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2026 before the move.
Reaction from Rayleigh residents
The news has sparked a lively response from the local community, with some welcoming the move – and others concerned about the potential impact on traffic.
Sallyanne Barrett, who lives just off London Road, said:
“I’ve seen the amount of traffic that gets congested from 4pm onwards – this will cause so much more congestion.”
But others see the move as a welcome shake-up to the current shopping options. Mike Canham commented:
“Good. Asda stock is poor for a major supermarket. I much prefer to shop in Lidl than Asda. Swallows wasn’t exactly booming either.”
Hasbo White added:
“I think it’ll be great – will ease congestion with people going to Rayleigh Weir for shopping. ASDA has had the monopoly this side so may improve things all round.”
And Sam Dansey pointed to a growing demand for more choice:
“We need another supermarket in Rayleigh and have done for a while. ASDA is often ransacked and to get anywhere else from this end you need to negotiate the almost constant traffic at Fairglen.”
Lidl’s rapid UK expansion
This new store forms part of Lidl’s ongoing expansion across the UK. The chain, which now operates over 960 stores, has committed to opening hundreds more in the coming years. It continues to target prime local locations for accessible, affordable food shopping, often repurposing well-located commercial spaces like the one in Rayleigh.
If planning is approved, the supermarket is likely to become a major new addition to Rayleigh’s retail landscape.