HUNDREDS of eager shoppers are expected to descend on Worcester’s newest supermarket when it opens today.

Asda will open its doors in Lowesmoor to customers at 10am, offering them a full shopping experience including food, drink, homeware and clothing.

The store has also created 350 jobs in the city.

General manager Richard Kennea, who was the man in charge when Asda set up shop in Halesowen about three years ago, said there was a “mood of anticipation” brewing in the run-up to the store’s opening in Worcester.

He said: “We’re very excited. There is an air of anticipation among our colleagues so we’re looking forward to giving people the opportunity to see what Asda has to offer.

“The number of people who have been saying they’re really looking forward to shop in Asda has been phenomenal. It’s made us feel very welcome in Worcester City centre.”

Yesterday Worcester City Councillors Mike Layland, Paul Denham and David Wilkinson were invited on a tour of the store ahead of today’s opening.

Coun Layland said: “I’m very impressed, I wish them all the success.

"It’s nice to have have some competition in the city.

“It’s going to be great. From what we have seen today it’s got to succeed.

“There’s a lot of local produce going into it, such as butcher’s, and that’s got to be good for the economy and the jobs are just a Godsend.”

Coun Denham said: “There are a lot of people living in the city centre area without cars who find it difficult to get to out-of-town supermarkets.

“They will find this facility of great value to them and to get great prices.”

Coun Wilkinson said: “I think from a planning perspective that it’s great to see the development of this part of the city coming to fruition while retaining so many of its historical features.”

Asda is the anchor of the £75 million redevelopment of Lowesmoor, where other shops, restaurants and leisure facilities are expected to open up in due course.

Spokesman for Carillion Richardson – the developer behind the project – Selwyn Rowley said: “The opening of the Asda store is a major milestone for St Martin’s Quarter.

“An area that was significant in Worcester’s industrial past is being revived as a retail, restaurant and leisure quarter which will once again provide significant employment opportunities and revitalise this part of the city centre.”

• Mr Kennea will be joined by local hero Paul McFarlane, the Mayor of Worcester Dr David Tibbutt, former employees of Hill Evans & Co and pupils from Our Lady Queen of Peace RC Primary School to help declare the store officially open today.

Former soldier Mr McFarlane, of Belmont Street, off Rainbow Hill, was nominated for his exceptional work with local children in care, having spent a turbulent childhood in the care system himself.