A WEYMOUTH supermarket is set to create more than 100 jobs.

Refurbishments at Asda on Newstead Road in Weymouth have been going on for some time as part of an £11million redesign that will see the store almost double from 27,000 sqft to 52,000 sqft of space.

The company says at least 100 jobs will be created and they hope that as many as 130 could be offered.

The new-look store will be open in August.

Hundreds of people will be interviewed for the posts and the supermarket giant says it has been overwhelmed by the number of applications.

Recently, more than 800 hopefuls applied for around 100 jobs at the new Tesco store on Portland.

General store manager Andy Felix said the improvements were a ‘massive’ and ‘exciting’ investment in Weymouth.

He said: “The redesign has cost £11million but then you have to take out the disruption to sales.

“It is the biggest investment that Asda is making this year, so we are getting the lion’s share of investment. Weymouth has had improvements before but nothing on this scale.”

He added: “It is a really exciting investment in Weymouth. There’s going to be a real wow factor coming to the store and going up the travelator. It will be a completely different shopping experience.

“I’m delighted.”

Improvements will include a new mezzanine floor, which will be reached by the travelator.

The new upstairs space will see a George-branded clothing section, games and entertainment section, a cafe and a homewear department three times the size of the one currently in store.

There will also be a new fish counter, a new-look bakery and frozen food section and to accommodate shoppers there will also 156 new parking spaces.

Mr Felix encouraged residents to apply. He said: “The expansion of the store has also meant we’re able to take on new colleagues, which is fantastic news for residents wishing to apply.”

Mr Felix said that the feedback from customers about the current and proposed changes had been really good.

He added that the company had tried to keep noise and disruption to a minimum during refurbishment.

The improvements and building work will follow the complettion of roadworks at the nearby harbour junction.

Mr Felix said that the timing of the works had not been perfect but the benefits would be great once all the work was completed.

Portland town councillor and Asda worker Sandra West said she was really excited about the new jobs and the store.

She said: “It’s brilliant, the reaction to the jobs has been phenomenal.

“We are working with job centres too.

“I think it’s amazing. The store’s going to be worth it. Everything in the store will be better.”

The jobs available for both full and part-time staff are highlighted on the Asda site. Hours range from 11 to 27.5 a week.

To apply visit www.asda.jobs/hourly