A Sainsbury's has been transformed after a multi-million pound investment.

Over the last eight months, the Hempstead Valley store near Gillingham has been revamped, and now includes a fresh food market and an Argos.

The 62,000 sq ft site includes colourful displays and neon lights to showcase produce.

It also has a new-look café offering snacking, a coffee machine, fresh juicer and sushi bar.

Due to current government guidance, the Argos is only open for Click and Collect at present.

The business's beauty department, clothing and home section have been modernised and a new self-service patisserie counter introduced.

Works also extended beyond the shop floor, with improvements made to the staff area to ensure a more interactive and inspiring workplace, including new furniture and digital notice boards.

The petrol station has also been redeveloped, including more on-the-go ranges and essentials such as cleaning products and toiletries.

Sainsbury’s has operated from the Hempstead Valley site for more than 40 years, with the update being one of its largest single investments in around 20 years.

In October, the company announced it would pilot its new fresh food market there and, if successful, would look to roll it out into more stores.

The changes are also expected to save the business approximately 30% in gas use and 15% in electricity annually.

The store has undergone a complete refrigeration refit, including new aerofoil technology to keep the fridges cool and aisles warmer to save 15 per cent of the energy used by the fridge.

It is also now more efficient through the roll out of a store-wide refrigeration integrated heating and cooling system and new fast closing doors for the loading dock.

Sainsbury’s property director Patrick Dunne said: "We’re really proud of it and the way in which we have completed the refurbishment works for our customers as efficiently and safely as possible.

"Through the patience and support of the community, we have continued to trade throughout.

"An extraordinary amount of work has been completed and we know the changes we have made will be enjoyed for many years to come.

"We will also use many of the learnings throughout the phases of work, together with the ongoing feedback from our customers and colleagues on our changes, to help us as we continue to invest in our stores."

The first 500 shoppers through the doors of the store were also gifted a special edition bag designed by eight-year-old Charley from nearby Deanwood Primary School.

Manager John Webb said: “We’re so excited to relaunch our new store for our customers.

"We’re so grateful for the support of the community during the redevelopment works and we know our customers will really enjoy the completed result.”

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