SUPERMARKET bosses have unveiled plans for a massive new town centre store. Sainsbury s in WGC will completely revamp and expand its existing shop, taking over a huge chunk of land. It aims to revitalise the south side of the town, which has suffered

SUPERMARKET bosses have unveiled plans for a massive new town centre store.

Sainsbury's in WGC will completely revamp and expand its existing shop, taking over a huge chunk of land.

It aims to revitalise the south side of the town, which has suffered from years of neglect.

Supermarket bigwigs had planned to redevelop the store in 2007 but halted the development when the chance to purchase the entire block from Wigmores South to Parkway and Church Road became a possibility.

They are now planning an exciting redevelopment over four floors.

Travelators will whisk shoppers to the first floor which will be filled with food items.

A mezzanine level above that will contain clothing and household ranges, bringing the overall floors space to 61,000 sq ft - almost four times its current size.

A car park for more than 450 spaces will be built across the ground and basement levels.

And a glass walled extension will be home to café areas, while Wigmores South and the Church Road receive an extensive facelift.

Robert Oxley, the chain's regional development executive, said: "We've got to transform Sainsbury's in WGC.

"We want to be winning back shoppers from out of town stores - this will be good news for us and good news for our neighbours.

"Sainsbury's is working on high quality designs which respect the conservation area.

"We've got an opportunity to create a strong anchor for the southern end of town, mirroring John Lewis and Waitrose in the north.

"In addition, our car park will be open to all visitors to the town centre, regardless of whether they visit Sainsbury's, meaning that all the traders in the area should benefit."

* What do you think of the plans? Email kelly-ann.kiernan@whtimes.co.uk or call 01707 384183.