THE construction of a new supermarket in Worcester that will create more than 350 jobs has been completed.

The Asda superstore is the centrepiece of the £75 million St Martin’s Quarter retail and leisure development in Lowesmoor.

The handover from developer Carillion Richardson to supermarket bosses was completed this week as Martyn Richardson gave the keys to the Asda project team. It is due to open early next year with just the interior left to be fitted out.

Selwyn Rowley, of Carillion Richardson, said: “With the construction of the Asda now complete we can really start to see the potential of the St Martin’s Quarter.

“It won’t be long before the public can start to enjoy this new leisure destination and the benefits of the development will have a major impact on the city.”

Now that the handover has happened developments on the rest of the site will quickly take shape, developers say.

Once complete St Martin’s Quarter will include 284,050 square feet of shops, restaurants and leisure facilities creating hundreds more jobs and providing Worcester with a new shopping and leisure destination.

We previously reported how discussions have already taken place with several pizza and pasta restaurants, as well as sandwich bars, ethnic food and international coffee chains, while there is also interest from gym operators.

The development is also a monument to the history of Worcester as the construction has incorporated elements of the old vinegar works and porcelain factory to help preserve the past.

Many aspects of the development, including the Asda entrance, preserve buildings and pay homage to the heritage of the city.

We previously reported how a virtual video tour of St Martin’s Quarter (above) takes viewers on a journey through the finished pedestrian walkways and open spaces, around the shops and restaurants and to the completed Asda superstore.

Nobody from Asda was available for comment.