SUPERMARKET giant Lidl has confirmed its long-awaited new Colchester store will open its doors to shoppers next week.

The new store, located off St Andrew's Avenue at the old Homebase site, will open for the first time on Thursday, December 9.

The store opening times will be between 8am - 10pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am – 4pm on Sunday.

The chain has also announced deals on certain items for customers during the first week of opening.

Part of the company’s ongoing £1.3bn expansion plans across Britain for 2021 and 2022, the store has been tipped to create around 40 new jobs.

The new supermarket will have a 1,370m² sales area and feature facilities including an in-store bakery, customer toilets and ample parking for both cars and bicycles.

Andrew Hodgkinson, Lidl's regional head of property, said: “It is fantastic that we are able to open our doors and welcome residents into our highly anticipated store in Colchester.

"We have received overwhelming support from local residents, and we would like to thank everyone who has played a part in delivering this new store.

"We now look forward to serving our multi-award-winning products to the local community.”