A CITY centre store has reopened after closing earlier this year for major refurbishment works.

Sainsbury’s, which has three locations across Colchester, closed its Priory Walk store back in August to upgrade the branch's refrigeration, ventilation and heating systems.

Gazette: Inside the new Sainsbury's store in Priory Walk, ColchesterInside the new Sainsbury's store in Priory Walk, Colchester (Image: Sainsbury's)

On Friday morning, the store reopened to customers after more than three months of works.

New pictures of the store show a refreshed look inside along with neon signs and Christmas products as the run-up to the festive season intensifies.

Gazette: Inside the new Sainsbury's store in Priory Walk, ColchesterInside the new Sainsbury's store in Priory Walk, Colchester (Image: Sainsbury's)

The opening times for the store remain the same as before it closed, with doors open from 7am until 7pm Monday to Saturday, and from 10.30am until 4.30pm on Sundays when store opening times are restricted by UK trading laws.

Gazette: Inside the new Sainsbury's store in Priory Walk, ColchesterInside the new Sainsbury's store in Priory Walk, Colchester (Image: Sainsbury's)

A spokesman for Sainsbury’s previously told the Gazette: "The store will be more energy efficient as a result, supporting our sustainability plans and ambitions."

Gazette: Inside the new Sainsbury's store in Priory Walk, ColchesterInside the new Sainsbury's store in Priory Walk, Colchester (Image: Sainsbury's)

Plans for a new Sainsbury’s megastore to replace the old B&Q site in the Hythe were shelved by the retailer earlier this year.

Gazette: Inside the new Sainsbury's store in Priory Walk, ColchesterInside the new Sainsbury's store in Priory Walk, Colchester (Image: Sainsbury's)

Instead, it plans to open an Argos Local Fulfilment Centre, a 15,000 sq ft gym, and a retail unit, subject to planning permission.