A huge new supermarket has opened in a village on the outskirts of Norwich ahead of a major housing boom.
The ribbon was cut at the region's latest Central Co-op in Coachmaker Way in Hethersett earlier today, welcoming hundreds of shoppers through its doors.
It is the first business to move into the Heather Gardens Local Centre, a retail space which includes the 4,320 sq ft supermarket and three 1,000 sq ft units.
The Local Centre is one of a number of community facilities being delivered as part of the Heather Gardens project off Little Melton Road.
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The scheme will see 1,196 homes constructed by both Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon Homes.
A doctor's surgery, sports pitches, a recreational space and play areas are all proposed to be included in the area's development.
A spokesman for Central Co-op said: "As well as everyday essentials the store will feature a range of food-to-go options including hot food and an Insomnia coffee machine serving fairtrade coffee."
Manager Tom Ashton led the inaugural opening day with some of the new staff who offered Central Co-op memberships to visitors outside the front doors.
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