Supermarket giant Asda today announced plans for a new store in Larne, Co Antrim which would create around 300 new jobs.
It confirmed its intention to be the anchor tenant in a £20 million mixed retail and leisure scheme which is currently subject to planning permission.
The complex is being developed by local company McKenzies Ltd and will create up to 150 more jobs in other outlets including a cinema and restaurants. It will provide the supermarket chain with a 27,000 sq feet store.
The confirmation it was on its way to Larne came 18 months after Asda carried out a province-wide roadshow which, it said, showed 98 per cent of people of Larne wanted the supermarket to set up in the town.
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.
"We hope we can play our part in ensuring the long-term success of Larne and to becoming a genuine store in the community".
PA