A new Sainsbury’s supermarket is set to open at the end of the month bringing a boost of 186 jobs.
The Sainsbury’s store will replace the former Somerfield on Newbridge Trading Estate in Pontllanfraith, which closed in May.
The 30,000 sq ft store will sell food, clothes and have a café. Bosses have applied to Caerphilly County Borough Council to install electric retractable bollards to close off the 230 space car park when the store is closed.
The aim is to keep people out who might cause antisocial behaviour.
The company is currently seeking permission to alter the existing building from Caerphilly council.
The planning application includes building a new glazed extension at the front of the store and revamping the car park to provide 230 spaces.
The supermarket’s manager Chris Thompson said: “We’ve heard there’s a buzz in the local area about the store opening. I’m very happy to welcome new colleagues to the store, whose local knowledge will be of great benefit to Sainsbury’s and to also welcome new customers when we open later this year.”
Meanwhile support is growing for a new 24-hour Tesco planned for Risca’s former foundary site.
Local councillor David Rees has backed the plans which could create 500 new jobs.
The development would be the first part of a retail, office and housing scheme.
As part of the scheme the supermarket chain has committed to opening a Tesco Express store on the Palace cinema site in Tredegar Street.
Supermarket rival Morrisons has objected to the plans because the new store would rival its own nearby.
Councillors will decide on the plans on October 21.