A SUPERMARKET is set to become even bigger than planned as work continues to rejuvenate the town centre store.

Sainsbury’s bosses have gone back to Welwyn Hatfield Council to ask for permission to make the mezzanine level 7,000 sq ft bigger.

The plans will mean the wanted 411 car parking spaces will reduce to 387, although many more than the 248 available at the old Church Road store.

The reduction is due to supporting columns being positioned in different places due to the extra shop floor space.

Paul Tyler, project manager for Sainsbury’s, said: “The minor changes to the new store are exactly that.

“They do, however, make sound improvements and will help us deliver a fantastic new store.”

The changes will see the overall shopping area at 59,000 sq ft.

Mr Tyler added the project is currently on schedule to open at the end of 2011.

Work on the new store began in the summer with the old structure and surrounding shops demolished to make way for the new supermarket.

A viewing platform to see the work progressing is available to all members of the public off Wigmores South.