THIS is the first glimpse of the new Sainsbury’s store that will bring 400 jobs to the town.

As part of the Weymouth Gateway development on the New Look site in Mercery Road, Weymouth, a Sainsbury’s store is proposed with the potential to bring 400 full and part time jobs to the area.

The development will include a replacement headquarters for New Look, a hotel, family restaurant and a large area has been earmarked for business use.

The development is expected to create 1,000 jobs when it is completed with nearly half coming from the Sainsbury’s store.

Caroline Vickerstaff, Regional Development Executive for Sainsbury’s said the company was delighted to share the designs with the people of Weymouth and Portland and wanted people to give them feedback on their plans.

Mrs Vickerstaff said: “I am really happy to share the store designs with people in Weymouth.

“A Sainsbury’s at this site will serve the Weymouth community, whilst providing additional competition and choice for shoppers.”

A planning application will be submitted to the Borough Council over the summer.

Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Margaret Leicester welcomed the investment in the town and said that events like the Olympics were encouraging investment in the area.

She said: “We welcome the investment in Weymouth that will create jobs, especially at a time like now when other people are suffering so badly.

“It gives local people more choice as well.”

She added: “Generally the whole town has received a lot of investment for a lot of things that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.”

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council spokesman for economic development, Ian Munro-Price, said that the first phase of development would include the planned hotel, restaurant and New Look headquarters, and phase two would attract other businesses.

He said: “This is an excellent opportunity for the borough.

“Phase two will be designed to attract a mixture of modern businesses which is most welcome.

“It will open up the prospect for employment and further investment in that area which will no doubt be a huge boost to the economy of Weymouth and Portland.”

Vice President of the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce Julie Cleaver said that the chamber had backed the project from the beginning.

She said: “We thought from the very beginning it was needed in Weymouth in terms of giving customers choice and to bring jobs to the town.”

She added: “I think to have a third competitor in the town would be great.”

Mrs Cleaver added that this year would showcase Weymouth’s potential.

She said: “If there’s a year when Weymouth’s business sector has a chance to shine its 2012.”

People can give feedback on the design at the Sainsbury’s website www. sainsburys-weymouth.co.uk or by calling 0800 130 3270.