A new purpose built ASDA store is due to open in Ballyclare by Easter, it has emerged.

The £14m investment at the old McClelland Mart site will have a selling area of 26,000 sq ft. This is almost double the size of the existing store. The outlet, which has operated by ASDA since 2005, will continue to trade until the new store opens.

Local construction company Gilbert Ash are managing the project which will create a further 40 jobs in the Ballyclare area, when construction is completed.

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Tom McGarry of ASDA, welcomed the delivery of the construction, said: "We are delighted with progress to date and are pushing hard to be open by Easter. ASDA understands the importance of this development as a potential catalyst for the future development of Ballyclare town centre and we are fully committed to playing our part in the overall regeneration of the town."

The new store will include George clothing as well as an extended non-food range. Car parking facilities will include 266-parking spaces and there are also plans to develop a petrol filling station.

(JM)