AROUND 250 new jobs could be created if a new food superstore is built in Felixstowe town centre, it was revealed today.

Developers Albourne Property plc have announced a project for a huge supermarket on land between Garrison Lane rail bridge, the rear of properties in High Road West and the town’s rail line – an overgrown area of former sidings at the railway station.

With access off Railway Approach, there will be car parking at ground floor level with the store built at first floor, above the car park.

Customers will gain access to the store by a travellator, a kind of escalator on which trollies can be taken.

It is the second major foodstore proposal to be put forward for the resort with Tesco still pursuing its project for Walton Green on the edge of the town.

No supermarket chain has been signed up for the railway station scheme as yet – though the developers say there is “strong interest” from several.

The company has built supermarkets previously for Tesco, Sainsbury and Marks and Spencer.

An exhibition displaying the proposed development will be held at the Waverley Hotel, Wolsey Gardens, Felixstowe, on Friday from 3pm to 8.30pm and Saturday from 10am to 1pm.

Representatives of the developer will be present to explain the proposal and seek reaction from the public.

Planning consultant David Prichard, of Leicester-based consultants Marrons, said the developers have been in extensive talks with Suffolk Coastal council over the project, which will create around 250 full and part-time jobs.

It is hoped to submit a planning application as soon as possible.

“The development will significantly extend and improve the range of food shopping facilities available within Felixstowe town centre, increase consumer choice and provide a readily accessible main food shopping facility that will draw trade back into the town centre currently lost to stores in more distant centres such as Ipswich,” said Mr Prichard.

“We hope people will come along to the exhibition, see what’s proposed, give their views and ask any questions – we want to have a dialogue with the local community.”