Hundreds of Jobs are to be created by UK supermarket giant Asda following the announcement of plans for a new store in Larne.

The Co Antrim project is likely to create around 300 new jobs when the company becomes the anchor tenant in a £20 million mixed retail and leisure scheme that is currently subject to planning permission.

The complex, the Redlands retail and leisure scheme, is to be located near the harbour, and is being developed by local company McKenzies (NI).

It will create up to 150 more jobs in other outlets including a cinema and restaurants.

The new store will provide the supermarket chain with a 27,000 sq feet facility.

Asda's Communications Manager Tom McGarry said: "Should the planning permission be successful we will be working hard to ensure that the town not only retains more of its own shopping spend, but attracts more people from the surrounding area to shop there.

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"We hope we can play our part in ensuring the long-term success of Larne and to becoming a genuine store in the community."

The supermarket giant confirmed plans to open its new store in Larne as part of

In addition to the supermarket, the scheme – currently being considered by the Planning Service – includes five restaurants and a multiplex cinema.

Sergio McKenzie Managing Director of McKenzies (NI) said he was delighted to have signed a contract with ASDA to anchor the retail part of the mixed-use site.

"I believe Asda is the best suited food store for Larne and my complex and know that the other tenants, including cinema and restaurants, are also very pleased to have it as a neighbour. Asda's presence will act as a strong draw for this site and for the wider retail and leisure scene in Larne.

"Shoppers will now be able to combine their weekly shop with a visit to a restaurant or cinema, making it a much more enjoyable family experience and allowing them to stay in the Larne are longer."

Subject to planning permission, construction of the new store could begin during the summer, with the four-acre site ready for occupation in 2009.

(BMcC)