A SUPERMARKET giant has shared a first look inside its new Colchester store which is set to replace a historic High Street branch.

The new 80,000sq ft Marks and Spencer shop will open at Stane Retail Park, in Stanway, on September 7.

The chain's Colchester High Street store, a staple in the city centre for nearly a century, will shut its doors for the last time on September 6.

The new Stanway site will feature 'clothing and home' departments, a 136-seat café, and a foodhall, which will feature a large in-store bakery.

Gazette: The branch will feature an in-store bakeryThe branch will feature an in-store bakery

The new M&S store will also be one of the first stores in the country to feature the 'Made Without' range - the chain's free from gluten, wheat and dairy selection.

Colchester shoppers can also enjoy wine tastings from a special sampling machine in the store’s dedicated wine shop.

The store will feature a mobile 'Scan and Shop' option available via an app, which lets shoppers skip the queues altogether.

Gazette: The new store will open at Stane Retail Park, in StanwayThe new store will open at Stane Retail Park, in Stanway

Digital screens in store will also make it quicker and easier to click and collect orders from M&S.com.

Kerry Soar, store manager at M&S Stane Park Colchester, said: “We are excited to be sharing a sneak peek of the new store design and are really looking forward to welcoming the community to our new Colchester store when we open next month.

"It’s twice the size of our previous store and packed with so many exciting new features, so we’re really excited to finally open the doors and see customers experience it for themselves.

"Whether you’re looking for a big family food shop, somewhere to pop in for a coffee, or for M&S fashion inspiration – we’ve got you covered.”

The store is located at Stane Retail Park, Colchester, CO3 8DW and will be open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 8pm, and on Saturday from 8am.