New 19,000sq ft Sainsbury's open in Hamilton Road Felixstowe

Jan Bozier and Jill Easter - who were present when the Co-op launched - cut the ribbon for the new 19,000sq ft store in Hamilton Road, Felixstowe in the Great Eastern Square shopping precinct.

The premises used to be occupied by a Co-op store, which closed at the end of December, with Sainsbury's taking over this premises, as well as opening a new store at Brightlingsea in north Essex.

Argos branch set to move into new Sainsbury's store

As well as the Sainsbury's store, the premises will incorporate the town's branch of catalogue retailer Argos, which is moving from its current home in Hamilton Road.

Staff from the former Co-op have been transferred to the new Sainsbury's, while the supermarket giant has also recruited 42 new team members, more than doubling the size of the store team and creating jobs for local people.

Sainsbury's opening in former Felixstowe Co-op on May 1

Prior to the launch of the new store on Thursday, May 1, Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury's chief property and procurement officer, said the store was "passionate" about bringing its food to within easy reach of customers wherever it could.

Customers have a look around the new Sainsbury's store at Great Eastern Square in Felixstowe (Image: Submitted) He said: "We’re delighted to bring a Sainsbury’s supermarket to Felixstowe for the first time and we’re excited to be entering the home stretch in its conversion and fitout before launching the store at the beginning of May.”

Customers travelling to the new store by foot or public transport can access it via the front entrance on Hamilton Road, while parking is provided at the back of the store and can be accessed from High Road West.

The store's manager Nick Cordingley said: “I’m thrilled that I’ve been given the chance to lead the fantastic team at our first ever Sainsbury’s Felixstowe store and we’re currently working hard to get everything ready for opening day."