A NEW Sainsbury’s store will open in Bishop’s Waltham this year.

The Neighbourhood Hub Store will replace the existing Budgens on Winchester Road and will include an Argos collection point service.

The move comes a decade after TV star Amanda Holden was a vocal opponent of plans to build a major Sainsbury's outlet in Station Road in the village.

As previously reported, The Britain's Got Talent star made headlines when she claimed the shop would damage smaller local businesses.

Hampshire Chronicle:

The Budgen’s store will close in September for a complete refurbishment and the new store is set to open in November.

The Sainsbury’s will be one of three Neighbourhood Hub stores in the country and will be twice the size of a normal Sainsbury’s local.

The store will replace the existing Budgens. There will be a temporary closure of 12 weeks from the beginning of September whilst the building is completely refurbished.

A range of products will be available including household everyday essentials, fresh produce, beauty products, flowers as well as fresh juice, coffee and food to go. The Argos collection point will also bring great choice, value and convenience - stocking thousands of home, technology and toy products.

Sainsbury’s will be taking on the existing members of staff.

The new team in Bishop’s Waltham hope to play an active role in the community. they will support a local charity as well as nationwide community programmes and charity partners.

Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s property director said: “We’re looking forward to opening the doors to a brand new Sainsbury’s Neighbourhood Hub store in Bishop’s Waltham this November.

“We know the local community is going to enjoy the wide range of food and convenience products on offer in this new store.

"We will continue to keep the community updated on our plans to refurbish this store.”