AN EMPTY shell of a former Southampton supermarket has been listed or sale for seven figure sum.

Now residents fear further shops in the unit could be lost to redevelopment post-Covid.

Sainsbury’s’ Bitterne West store, which sold homeware, clothing, electronics and other non-food items, closed in May 2019.

The 44,592 sq ft unit, part of Bitterne District Shopping Centre on West End Road, has this week been listed on estate agents Rightmove for £2.5 million.

This amount includes the 30,000 sq ft supermarket floor, three residential flats, a parade of five retail units and spaces for 100 cars on the roof of the building.

The space is advertised as a ‘investment opportunity,’ though local residents have expressed concern about how developments could affect popular nearby shops.

David Eddy, a representative of non-profit Bitterne Community Corner (BCC) said: “I doubt there is any likelihood of the main shop being let any time soon [due to Covid] so I think redevelopment into something usable is inevitable.”

He continued: “Presumably [then] the whole site would be redeveloped."

Labour councillor for the Peartree ward Eamonn Keogh added: “It was disappointing when Sainsbury took the decision to close their non-food outlet on West End Road as the footfall did support a number of other businesses along that stretch."

He added: "I am not aware of any potential buyer but it would be good to see it have a use that serves the Bitterne precinct."

Councillor Keogh encouraged residents to "communicate their views" on future planning applications for the site should a buyer be found.

Conservative councillor for Peartree Alex Houghton echoed the hope that any developments would benefit local businesses.

He said: "I’m hoping that the sale of this site will enable a long term use for the building to be found, which will increase footfall in Bitterne and help with the viability of the nearby shops."