A jobs fillip in Co Armagh was on the agenda for the NI Secretary of State this week when he saw the finishing touches being put to a new Tesco that is due to open shortly in Craigavon.

Owen Paterson heard that the Tesco Extra store which is set to deliver a £30m investment and up to 300 new retail jobs when it opens next month.

The project has already provided employment for around 150 construction workers since work began in the summer.

The new, modern store, which is being built on the vacant site adjacent to B&Q at Highfield, will include an 80,000sq ft sales area and will be the fifth Tesco Extra store in Northern Ireland.

Trevor Turkington, Chief Executive of Portadown-based Turkington Holdings who are developing the store in partnership with Tesco, said: "The relationship between ourselves and Tesco goes back several years and we are confident we will deliver on our promise to provide a first class build on time and within budget.

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"When you look at the direct and indirect economic benefits this is a project of immense strategic significance for the entire Mid Ulster area."

The new store will incorporate a number of environmentally-friendly initiatives.

For example, the display cabinets have been redesigned to be more energy efficient and the in-store ovens will only use half the energy for baking bread than older models.

Rainwater is also collected or 'harvested' and is then used to service the sanitary areas within the store.

The store will be timber-cladded and will include enhanced glazing to make use of more natural light.

The use of roof lights will allow more light in and also reduce power consumption.

The car parking will be at street level with the shop above meaning that much of the free car park for more than 650 vehicles will be protected from the elements.

In addition there will be dedicated spaces for parents with young children and those with disabilities.

Shane Murphy, Tesco Property Manager said: "We are committed to investment and job creation in Northern Ireland.

"The new store is great news for the community in Craigavon and will bring a substantial local economic benefit, and will give our customers the great value and choice Tesco is famous for."

(BMcC/GK)