A WEST Suffolk town could be given a huge boost after a major supermarket chain announced plans to build a new store which will create 300 jobs.

Sainsbury’s wants to build a new superstore on the now-derelict site of the former William Armes factory, on Cornard Road, in Sudbury. Planning chiefs from the food and retail giant will meet the public during a two-day consultation tomorrow and Saturday.

If approved, the new development, which will compete with Tesco, Waitrose, Somerfield and Aldi in the town, will include a 300-space car park, retail unit and restaurant.

Robert Oxley, Sainsbury’s development executive for the east of England, said the supermarket was keen to share its plans with the Sudbury community.

He said: “We are pleased to unveil our proposals for Sudbury, which will bring new choice and competition to the community by providing great value, high-quality fresh food – as well as about 300 new jobs for the local community.”

He said all comments heard during the consultation would be used to prepare a planning application which he said would take place in the near future.

The derelict site that Sainsbury’s is hoping to regenerate will also include cycle access, landscaping, bus stops and a community recycling centre.

It was due to be developed with 121 houses after Bovis Homes secured planning permission to build there in 2004, but construction never started.

The public meetings will take place at the Delphi Sports and Social Club tomorrow from 10.30am to 4pm, and at Sudbury Town Hall on Saturday from 10am to 4pm.