A SUPERMARKET giant has revealed plans to open a store in a Hampshire town which would create 40 new jobs.

Budget food store, Lidl has hopes for a branch at the former Homebase store which has been empty since the end of 2018.

Featuring an in-store bakery, customer toilets and “ample parking spaces” the retailer hopes to open its store next year.

Plans for the site include building a rear extension and giving the unit in Hedge End Retail Park an exterior revamp.

It would then be split, creating another store alongside the supermarket which would have 1,438sqm of sales space.

Customer access would be via Tollbar Bar which also serves the M&S and Sainsbury’s stores to the south.

As part of the wider development, a park would be created with newly planted trees, seating and a children’s play feature.

In the car park, new disabled and parent and child spaces would be provided.

A covered cycle shelter with ten spaces would be built and there would be two electric charging points to charge up to four cars at a time.

A spokesperson for Lidl said: “Plans have been submitted for a new Lidl supermarket on Hedge End Retail Park with 1,438sqm sales area, which will create up to 40 new jobs for local economy.

“The supermarket will also feature facilities including an in-store bakery, customer toilet and ample parking spaces.

“We’re now looking forward to receiving a decision in the coming months with a view to opening next year. “

Keith House the Eastleigh Borough Council cabinet member for planning and property, said: “Lidl arriving in Hedge End will prove very popular and good competition for Sainsbury’s.

“We’ll have to see what the planners say about traffic but in principle this like a good use of part of the old Homebase.”

The second 2,065sqm unit is being redesigned to home a “general variety retailer” selling homeware, furniture and DIY products.

It will include a garden centre and small convenience goods area, however, no tenant has yet been confirmed.

According to developers CBRE Global Investors, the revamp will result in significant visual improvements to the unit, which they claim is now tired and dated in appearance.

The developers add that the new store will improve local consumer choice and provide a range of new job opportunities for local residents.

The wider area comprises of a range of retailers including M&S, Sainsbury’s, B&Q, Next Home, DFS, SCS, TK Maxx and Homesense.