The 17 places in Sussex where Lidl wants to build new stores

The supermarket chain says it wants to "continue our phenomenal growth" and "double our portfolio", which currently boasts more than 800 sites across the UK.

It has outlined the type of sites it is interested in developing and urged people to contact them regarding any possible leasehold deals that might be available.

Lidl is interested in building new, standalone stores, as well as converting existing buildings and developing sites on retail parks.

The Lidl site requirements in the South East, including 18 in Sussex

The specifications for its sites are:

• Prominent locations with easy access and strong pedestrian or traffic flow

• Freehold, leasehold or long leasehold opportunities

• Unit sizes flexible on design and scale between 14,000 and 26,500 sq ft

• 1.5 acres plus for standalone stores or up to four acres for mixed-use schemes

These are the Sussex sites which have been earmarked by Lidl for new stores, or where the supermarket chain wants to relocate existing stores to new sites within the same town:

• Bexhill (relocation of existing site)

• Brighton Central

• Hove

• Moulsecoomb

• Portslade

• Crawley East (relocation of existing site)

• Crawley North

• Crawley East

• Eastbourne

• East Grinstead

• Hailsham

• Hastings

• Lewes

• Newhaven (relocation of existing site)

• Peacehaven

• Seaford

• Uckfield

The former Toys R Us site at the Goldstone Retail Park in Hove is being transformed into a Lidl store as the supermarket chain ticks the first name off its 17-strong list of prospective sites.

• READ MORE: Opening date given for new supermarket in Hove

Planning permission for the store was granted last year, and bosses say they plan to open the shop in Spring.

It will create about 40 jobs and deliver "fresh, quality and affordable produce to the local community," a Lidl spokesman told The Argus.