SAINSBURY confirmed today it will go head to head with Tesco in the bid to open a superstore at Whittlesey and create 250 jobs.

The supermarket chain announced a public consultation for a new store and 54-acre country park to the south of Eastrea Road.

Sainsbury’s is proposing a 32,000 sq ft (net sales) store which will include a customer cafe, bakery, delicatessen, butcher and fresh fish counter.

Sainsbury’s Development Surveyor, Robert Oxley, said: “The store would be part of the wider development that would take place in two phases – the second phase would include new offices, some further retail, light industrial uses and community uses such as cr�ches and community meeting spaces.”

The proposals also include plans for a 54-acre country park immediately to the east of the store.

“This will provide accessible green space for Whittlesey residents and increase biodiversity on what is currently intensively farmed land,” said Mr Oxley.

“The country park will be both formal: with a playground, a network of footpaths, cycle paths, bridleways and a picnic area: and informal, with natural planting areas and wildflower meadows designed to encourage wildlife.

A public exhibition on the proposals will be held at Sir Harry Smith Community College on:

• Friday October 21 (4pm – 8pm)

• Saturday October 22 (10am – 4pm)

Mr Oxley said: “Our proposals will bring new shopping choice for Whittlesey residents, as well as preventing the need to travel into Peterborough for a weekly shop”.

As well as 250 initial jobs he expected “significantly more” in the second phase of development.”

He said the country park would include play areas and open spaces, footpaths, bike paths and bridleways, as well as large areas designed to increase biodiversity.