A SUPERMARKET giant has confirmed it is interested in opening a new store in Southampton.

Lidl has said the firm is looking at opening a store in Bitterne.

But it added that it will not be looking to take over a Sainsbury’s building in the area which is set to close in May.

The Sainsbury’s homeware shop on West End Road will shut its doors in three months.

There has been growing speculation that either Aldi or Asda are in line to take over the site.

But an Asda spokesperson told the Echo: “We do not intend to buy the Bitterne Sainsbury’s store, or any other in the region.”

Aldi refused to comment.

A spokesperson for German supermarket Lidl said: “While Bitterne is an area of interest for us, we’re not considering this site.”

This could leave the West End Road premises empty when it closes.

But now one councillor has appealed for supermarket chains to think again and take over the site to boost the area.

Alex Houghton, Conservative councillor for the Peartree ward, which covers the store, said: “I’ve heard nothing official, just a lot of speculation about who might be interested.

“I’ve heard talks of it being pulled down, and built as something else.”

When asked about Aldi or Asda, Cllr Houghton said: “I think they will bring more people to the area, and they are a popular option.

“We haven’t got an Asda nearby, so that would be welcomed if it was the case.

“These stores would give Bitterne a choice, which is obviously good, and will keep the competition up and prices down.

“I don’t think we’ll see something happen for quite a long time.

“I know Aldi’s plans to open a store in Thornhill were rejected, so I’ve heard rumours of them attempting to purchase this instead.”

The Sainsbury’s store sells homeware, clothing, electronics and other non-food items, as well as parking on its flat roof.

Plans for a new Aldi store and 128 homes in Thornhill were unanimously refused by councillors last month.

The proposal for the discount chain, the homes and a drive-thru Starbucks Coffee next to the former East Point Centre in Thornhill was refused by Southampton City Council’s planning committee for its poor layout and unsafe access.