By Victoria Brenan

Last updated at 11:45, Saturday, 07 January 2012

Final preparation work is underway at the site of Carlisle’s new £40 million Sainsbury’s store.

Bulldozers have been on the Caldewgate site since last month, knocking down derelict warehouses and industrial units.

The store, which is hoped to be open for next Christmas, would create up to 500 jobs in the city and have parking for 446 cars and a petrol station.

Jo Hawley, regional development executive for Sainsbury’s, said they had contractors making preparation work ahead of the actual construction.

They were unable to say when building would begin, at this stage, a spokesperson added.

“We’ve been working behind the scenes to get everything ready for construction and we’ll update people as soon as we can,” Ms Hawley said.

“We’re looking forward to delivering a new Sainsbury’s store for Carlisle as well as new jobs for the local community.”

Businesses that were based in the area have either moved or closed down. KC Superbikes, which relocated across the street into temporary accommodation, is now almost ready to move into its new glass-fronted showroom in Caldewgate.

Buildings marked for demolition used to be home to Beautiful Interiors, the Good Year Chinese Takeaway, Boos Butty Bar and a hairdresser’s.

Beautiful Interiors moved across the road to Byron House in Shaddongate and the Good Year Chinese Takeaway closed in July after 27 years in business. The David Hayton Peugeot garage relocated to Kingstown late last year.

First published at 08:56, Saturday, 07 January 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk