PICTURES show construction works in progress as Colchester's new Lidl store.

Work to create the long-awaited new store, off St Andrew's Avenue, started last month.

Pictures show clearance work ongoing on site, with the frame of the old DIY-store still at least partially in tact.

Construction and demolition are expected to take about six months, with a view to the store opening this winter.

Pictures show work ongoing at new Lidl store in Colchester

Pictures show work ongoing at new Lidl store in Colchester

It is predicted the store will create about 40 jobs when it opens its doors and the 1,370m² shop will feature an in-store bakery and parking.

On the site there is also set to be both a Costa Coffee, including a drive-thru, and a Subway restaurant.

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The new supermarket forms part of the company’s ongoing £1.3 billion investment across the country in 2021 and 2022.

It will be the third Lidl store in the town and two additional units will be created at the former DIY store site, which has been empty since 2018.

Planning permission was initially granted in 2019, despite objections being raised by the firm’s nearby rivals Asda and Tesco.

Fresh plans for the site emerged in August last year, which included the slightly larger supermarket and the two additional units.

A number of conditions have been put in place including on things like the opening hours of the site and improvements to nearby bus stops.

The Lidl store will be open 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays, while the other units can operate between 6am and 11pm every day.

Last month, Lidl GB’s regional head of property, Andrew Hodgkinson, said: “There’s been much anticipation for this new Lidl store and it’s great we are now in a position to start the fit out works.

"We are extremely grateful for all the support we have received so far and would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while we enter this next phase of the development.”