A SUPERMARKET giant will be opening up inside former popular DIY store, Homebase.

Staff at Homebase, in St Andrew’s Avenue, Colchester, were contacted this month about the closure of the store and the site’s redevelopment.

It has since been revealed Lidl could be taking over the space.

The supermarket sent leaflets to residents advertising a public exhibition for the new store.

The exhibition will be held from 1.30pm until 6.30pm on April 30, at the Oak Tree Centre in Harwich Road.

One local resident said: “I think it is a good idea. I was concerned the site would be used for more housing so I am pleased with this.

“There isn’t a Lidl this side of town so I think it will prove to be popular.”

The multi-million pound investment will create up to 40 new jobs. The supermarket will also feature an in-store bakery, customer toilets and parking for both cars and bikes.

Paul Smith, leader of Colchester Council, said he would be keen to speak to residents about their views. He also said staff at Homebase could potentially be offered roles at the new supermarket.

He added: “I would like to have the opportunity to speak to the local residents about the impact it is going to have on them.

“Some of the Homebase staff have been working there for many years and clearly they have retail experience. I would hope their jobs are a priority.

“I would also be interested to see the impact this would have on the traffic. My suspicion is it would produce more traffic movement than Homebase as people tend to shop at Lidl more often.”

He also suggested the supermarket talk with Essex County Council, about potentially freeing up some land to create a better road layout, suitable for pedestrians and cyclists.

The store said as there will be a gap between Homebase closing and Lidl opening, it is not known if the staff there will be transferred over. However they said they would welcome any Homebase employees to apply for a job.

Lidl UK’s regional head of property, Colin Rimmer, said: “We are extremely excited about the prospect of opening a Lidl in Colchester and serving our fresh, quality and incredibly good value produce which shoppers across the country have come to love.

“We look forward to welcoming anyone along to the public consultation day.”

To apply for a job visit https://careers.lidl.co.uk/en/index.htm