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.

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

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

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.

Read more >> Revealed: Lidl announces opening date for new Colchester store

It will be the third Lidl store in the town and two additional units will be created at the former DIY store site, which has been empty since 2018.

Plans for Subway and Costa Coffee to take over the new units were also rubber stamped by Colchester Council’s planning officers.

Lidl wants to convert the former Homebase in St Andrews Avenue

Lidl wants to convert the former Homebase in St Andrew's Avenue

Planning permission was initially granted in 2019, despite objections being raised by the firm’s nearby rivals Asda and Tesco.

Fresh plans for the site emerged in August last year, which included the slightly larger supermarket and the two additional units.

A number of conditions have been put in place including on the opening hours of the site and improvements to nearby bus stops.

Ward councillor Tim Young previously welcomed the extra competition it would bring to the north side of the town.

He said: “I honestly do think Colchester needs another Lidl.

“It will create new jobs and they are desperately needed at the moment.”

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

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

“We have received overwhelming support from 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 community.”