Maryport's new Lidl store will be among the first of its kind in Britain.

The German discount retailer confirmed this week that work will begin on Milltoft, off Curzon Street, early next year.

And, it said, the town would be one of the first in Britain to have a "Lidl of the Future".  

It is modelled on more upmarket chains to try to attract a more affluent clientele.

The glass-fronted design is the first of its kind in Great Britain and forms a key part of Lidl’s expansion programme, which will see all future planning applications for Lidl stores designed in the same way.

The new store will have wider aisles, longer tills, restrooms and baby changing facilities. 

Up to 30 jobs would be created at the 26,900sq ft site and about 60 construction jobs are likely.

The Maryport supermarket is part of a £1.5billion investment in the UK in the next three years by the company, which has become the fastest growing supermarket chain in the country.

The new concept Lidl will also use the latest energy efficient technologies to reduce its environmental impact. The building reduces the carbon dioxide emission rate by over 20 per cent compared with a building of the same type, size and use.

The fully glass fronted façade maximises natural daylight entering the building, while sensor controlled exterior sun blinds automatically operate to mitigate the effects of unwanted heat from solar gain.

The lighting system is made up entirely of LED fittings which, compared with a traditional lighting system, are over 50 per cent more energy efficient whilst still providing the levels of lighting needed to meet the customer requirements.

The site is owned by Allerdale council and was offered for sale as part of a deal being managed by the Allerdale Investment Partnership.

The initiative was established for the council to dispose of surplus assets and deliver development opportunities.

Mark Fryer, the council's executive member with responsibility for economic development, said: “This is also a great success for the Allerdale Investment Partnership, bringing jobs and investment to our area."

The firm's planned new store in Cockermouth will also be a "Lidl of the Future".