Changing aisles

The £9 million refurbishment, which started in October, has seen the store double in size, increasing its floor space from 32,000sq ft to a staggering 52,000sq ft.

With 33,000 lines and many new departments, Sainsbury's has also taken on 140 extra staff, to cope with the expected demand.

"The store originally estimated that 70 jobs would be created but this figure has now doubled," said duty manager, Steve Chamberlain.

"Most people want to work part-time so we have taken on far more people than we had first anticipated and you only have to look inside the new store, to see why."

Boasting a wealth of extras, from a hot food counter selling rotisserie-cooked chickens, to a curry bar and salad bar, and a huge new range of electrical goods, offering everything from toasters and irons to televisions and other home entertainment, the changes don't stop there.

A new extension on the side of the store, where the old caf used to stand, now houses a massive selection of videos, books, DVDs and CDs.

The store is also subsidising extra services, including a dry cleaners, and photographic service.

Perhaps most surprising, are the new ranges of adults and children's clothes. Adult clothing has been designed by Jeff Banks and the children's by High Street retailers, Adams.

The ambitious re-fit has seen hundreds of workmen working around the clock to get it finished.

However, the work hasn't been without its hiccups.

Mr Chamberlain said: "Back in October, workmen cut through our freezer pipes by mistake, reducing our freezer capacity by a third.

"As an environmentally friendly store, our freezing system is also recycled to power part of our heating, so as well as having to get in rented freezers for a period, we also saw the heating in the store reduced by 50 per cent.

"On some days, when the temperature was low outside, our staff put on extra layers to combat the dip in temperature."

The freezing system failure caused problems with the water supply too.

"We used bottled water for all our staff needs and even had to fill the toilets with bottled water so we could flush them and leave the taps on overnight to stop them freezing," Mr Chamberlain said.

"It was really tough, but we managed to keep things going and it's all worked out great."

The most original feature in the store is the Comfy Caf with settees and upmarket food.

"It is a really cosy area with lazy chairs and there is also space for trolleys, so people can relax after shopping and know their purchases are secure, Mr Chamberlain said.

"The caf will be serving food like paninis as well as old favourites like jacket potatoes, English breakfasts and a children's menu."

The store's opening hours have also been extended as part of the new look.

It now opens from 7am to 11pm during the week, from 7am to 10pm on Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

The meat and fish counters and deli section are three times longer than before and there is also a new bakery and a huge new pharmacy.

The store is being officially opened today and there will special offers to tempt people. There will also be a family fun day on Saturday.

How the work was done

October 2002

Planning permission granted. An army of workmen move in and work begins on new foundations for the extension.

November 2002

The caf is flattened and temporary buildings are put up to accommodate freezer equipment. The warehouse is demolished to extend the floor space of the store.

Christmas 2002

New drainage installed. Work also begins on extending the beers, wines and spirits aisles.

January 2003

Work begins on the second floor staff offices and canteen.

February 2003

Meat and fish counters removed for drainage work. Interior of store is stripped, ready for new floors to be laid.

Changes impress stalwart of 19 years

LONG-STANDING member of staff, Jean Roberts, has seen Sainsbury's grow from its humble beginnings in Borough Parade, Chippenham, to become the Bath Road superstore of today.

The 57-year-old deli assistant, who lives in Cepen Park, just behind the store, joined Sainsbury's 19 years ago, starting work part-time at the old store in Chippenham's town centre.

"The shop has changed tremendously in the last 19 years and it's incredible to see how it looks today," she said.

"It's new and modern and so big.

"There aren't many of the staff who have been working here as long as me or many who have seen so many changes in uniform.

"But I think everyone's really impressed by the refurbishment.

"The store itself it fantastic and the new staff facilities on the second floor are great.

"We have anew canteen and offices it's been done really well."

Mrs Roberts said she is particularly looking forward to perusing the new lines of adult and children's clothing.

"I have a grandson Carlo, who is two and another grandchild on the way. I'm looking forward to spoiling them with some new outfits," she said.

"There's also some really nice adult wear too and I'll be making the most of my staff discount in that department."

While Mrs Roberts could be called a Sainsbury's veteran, Andrew Freegard, is a new face in the store.

Working in the electrical department, he has the enviable task of showing customers how to operate the impressive range of new audio and visual equipment.

Mr Freegard, 21, who lives in Neston, applied for a job after seeing the adverts for new staff.

"I think I'm really going to like working here," he said.

"Everyone is really friendly and the store looks great."