A NEW date has been set for the opening of the Waitrose and John Lewis at home store.

The store in Basing View will open for the first time at 9am on Thursday, November 12, in time for the Christmas shopping.

It was meant to open in October, although Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council recently confirmed work will "continue until late 2015".

The co-located store, which is still under construction, will provide 369 jobs and represents a £7million investment in Basingstoke.

The new 44,000sq ft John Lewis will be the retailer's largest 'at home' to date, and the Waitrose supermarket will measure 25,000sq ft.

The John Lewis Partnership has also named Jamie Rodgers as the branch manager of Waitrose, and Ali Gilbert at John Lewis at home.

Miss Gilbert said: "I'm thrilled to be able to confirm that our exciting new joint development will open this autumn on November 12.

"I am delighted to be welcoming a team who I know will deliver the exceptional levels of customer service that John Lewis is renowned for to the residents of Basingstoke and Hampshire, and look forward to meeting our very first customers in just two months' time."

Mr Rodgers started his Waitrose career 20 years ago after a career in engineering.

He said: "Both John Lewis and Waitrose deliver a first class customer experience and I’m excited to be bringing the very best of what this Partnership has to offer to shoppers in Basingstoke and the surrounding area.

"Everyone at John Lewis and Waitrose is looking forward to working together closely on what is set to be a very exciting joint venture.”

Cllr John Izett, Cabinet member for finance and resources at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said: “Congratulations to Waitrose and John Lewis at home, this is very exciting news and I am delighted to hear the store will be open in November ready for the busy festive period.

"This is a terrific investment in our borough, creating more jobs for local people, as well as a huge step forward in the regeneration of Basing View. “

John Lewis at home will open from 9am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 11am to 5pm on Sundays.

Waitrose will open from 7.30am to 9pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays.