DEVELOPERS are in talks with “two or three” national chains which want to open a supermarket in Colchester.

An announcement is expected on which supermarket is set to open in Gosbecks Road within the coming week.

Graham McCormick, director at Colchester-based applicants Scott Properties, said: “The contracts are with the solicitors and we are in talks with two or three chains, all of which are keen on the site.”

The Co-op has shown an interest in the site when it was first mooted but has refused to comment more recently.

The hockey pitch-sized store would create up to 100 jobs.

Colchester Wine Company and Colchester Council have agreed to merge their separate premises to sell the site to a supermarket company.

It is understood the wine company premises will house the main supermarket while neighbouring Colchester Council land will be used for a 120-space car park.