Opening date for Rustington’s new Sainsbury’s fixed

The almost-complete Sainsbury's is fairly similar to the artist's impression, released earlier this year

The company has said the state-of-the-art superstore will be open for customers on Wednesday, October 30.

Work started on the replacement shop, at the Rustington Retail Park, in New Road, in March this year, after the old store was demolished.

The majority of the improvement work has now been completed.

Daren Carpenter, Sainsbury’s Project Manager said: “The construction work is nearly complete and we are looking forward to opening the new store.

“The building has really taken shape over the last few months and I know our customers will be eager to get inside.

“The store will include all of Sainsbury’s popular food ranges as well other products such as our Tu clothing range.

“I think customers will really notice the difference and appreciate the improvements.”

Work is currently underway to paint and decorate the building, finish the store’s ceiling and floors, fit out refrigeration units and food counters, as well as works to surface and finish the customer car park.

Once complete, the store will feature a modern design encompassing a number of energy-saving measures that will generate 33 per cent of its power needs through on-site renewable and low-carbon technologies.

The retailer will offer a wide variety of products, including all food, electrical and homeware goods as well as Sainsbury’s Tu clothing.

The store will also feature a larger customer restaurant.

Ruairi Magee, project manager of Barr Construction – the company behind the construction of the shop – said: “We are nearing the end of the project now but it is still all systems go whilst we make the final preparations. We are all looking forward to completing the build and letting Sainsbury’s customers inside. It is really great to have such an incredible building to show for all our efforts.”

Mr Carpenter added: “I would like to thank our neighbours for their patience whilst we have undertaken the construction work.”

Sainsbury’s had come under fire from Worthing West MP Sir Peter Bottomley, for the ‘insensitive’ design of the store. However, after a meeting with the MP and nearby residents, Sainsbury’s agreed to screen the shop from its neighbours using trees.