Tesco extension to be ready by August next year

Work on the extension to the Tesco supermarket in Lerwick is to begin in March next year, with most of the work being sub-contracted to local firms.

The project will be managed by Barr Construction and specialist firms will handle the new refridgeration units and other internal fittings, but store manager Paul Clelland said the main construction work on the 4,000 square feet project would be carried out by isles workers.

The first turf will be dug on 1st March with a planned completion date of August 16th. As well as extra floor space, the extension will provide a new canteen and cloakroom for staff and extensive additional storage. The firm currently has two refridgerated lorries on hire in the back yard, which Mr Clelland said was “very expensive”.

Despite criticisms of Tesco’s arrival in Shetland, the store has proved hugely popular with islanders since it opened last summer. Last week sales were up by 21 per cent on the same week last year.

Mr Clelland said: “I’m pleased that it is going ahead. It will make a significant difference to the store and improve the working environment for staff.”