Starting date is set to build new Waitrose supermarket

The diggers are due to move in on March 20 and begin working on the 38,500 square foot store next to the Jacobs Douwe Egbert factory, on Southam Road.

Plans were approved in November 2015.

Waitrose aims to open the store by Christmas.

The developer, Barwood Capital, and Waitrose have now finalised plans, the construction programme and completed the tender process for contractors enabling work to get underway.

Foundations are due to be put down between late April and early May.

The frame and roof are expected to be in place by the end of July.

Barwood will hand over the unit for Waitrose to fit out in the autumn ready to welcome its new customers.

Waitrose has also confirmed that it aims to start recruitment for 140 jobs during the summer at a date to be confirmed.

Waitrose director of property, Nigel Keen, said: “We are now in a position to get started and are that bit closer to realising our long-standing ambition to have a branch in Banbury.

“It takes time to put together projects like this, but it’s important we get everything right so we can deliver a quality food shop, which can make a positive contribution towards the town’s future.”

The site was sold to Barwood by Jacobs Douwe Egbert, which will spend the money on improving its factory in Banbury including upgrading associate facilities and offices.