THE new Waitrose store in Evesham is set to open in time for Christmas.

The building work has now been completed by Midas Retail Limited, with the shop set to open in the winter.

The new Waitrose store has been built at Merstow Green in Evesham at the site of the old fire station.

It has been on behalf of Wychavon District Council as part of a project to provide a high quality superstore to the centre of Evesham in an attempt to attract inward investment from other businesses in the area.

Wychavon officially handed the building across to Waitrose including the car park last week.

The car park will open shortly as a public pay and display car park while the store is being fitted out. The new store is expected to open in time for Christmas trading.

Cllr. Lynne Duffy, deputy leader of Wychavon said: “It’s fantastic that we’ve been able to hand this wonderful store across to Waitrose and that the car park will soon be opened to the public.

"This forward thinking project will not only provide Evesham with a fantastic high quality superstore, but will also provide Wychavon with a return on investment as they will maintain ownership of the building. I look forward to seeing the completed store by Christmas time.”

Jonathan Banham, Waitrose development surveyor said: “It's incredibly pleasing to reach such a major milestone. We realise a project of this scale can be disruptive and are grateful for residents' understanding.

"We are now looking forward to getting the shop ready to welcome our new customers later this year and ensuring we make a positive contribution to the town's future.”