CONSTRUCTION is underway to fit out a new discount supermarket in Hatch Warren.

As previously reported, Lidl submitted plans to convert two units in Hatch Warren Retail Park into one new store that will house the German retailer.

They first declared their interest in the site in September last year, and in March had planning permission granted.

Now, they've announced that they hope the store will open before Christmas.

READ MORE: Lidl still fighting to build new store in Tadley

Lidl GB’s Regional Head of Property, James Mitchell, said: “There’s been much anticipation for this new Lidl store and it’s great that we are now in a position to start the store fit out.

"We are extremely grateful for all the support that we have received so far and would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding whilst we enter this next phase of the development.”

The new store will create up to 40 jobs, and the 1,208 square metre store will feature a bakery, customer toilets, eight tills and self-service checkouts.

It is the third store in the town, with the retailer also having shops at West Ham roundabout and at Gastons Wood, Chineham.

The reshuffle in the retail park, on Wallop Drive near the A30, has seen Dreams, which was in unit 2, move into unit 3.

With unit 1 vacated by Argos after it moved into the back of the Sainsbury's store opposite, Lidl will combine the two vacant units to create their supermarket.

The new supermarket forms part of the company’s £1.45bn investment in its expansion across Great Britain in 2019 and 2020.