SAINSBURY'S has confirmed the opening date for its newest store in Colchester.

Work to build a new Sainsbury's Local store on the edge of the Kingswood Heath development in Mile End started earlier this year, and the retailer has now confirmed the shop will open on Friday.

The store manager, Ellie Connolly, said: “We’re really looking forward to opening our new Sainsbury’s Local for customers on Friday and welcoming everyone in the local community to try it out for the first time.

“We’re all passionate about good food and we’re delighted to be able to bring Sainsbury’s tasty, great value products and helpful service closer to more people in Colchester.”

Gazette: Coming soon - the Sainsbury's Local store in Via Urbis Romanae, ColchesterComing soon - the Sainsbury's Local store in Via Urbis Romanae, Colchester (Image: Newsquest)

Shoppers will be welcomed to the new shop from 7am on Friday.

The purpose-built store, which has 11 parking spaces and is on the corner of Via Urbis Romanae and Whitmore Drive, has created 20 jobs in the city, and 16 colleagues are brand new to the supermarket chain.

Sainsbury's already has large stores in Priory Walk in the city centre and Western Approach, Stanway, as well as a convenience store in Layer Road.

A new Bright Horizons nursery is currently being built next door to the new Sainsbury's Local site and is expected to open early next year.