IT has been revealed Tesco is planning to open an express store in the town centre. 

The supermarket giant has officially exchanged contracts to open in the former Halfords unit, according to Dransfield Properties, which manages the Five Valleys Shopping Centre.

Fit-out work is expected to begin on Saturday, November 11, with an estimated opening date of early next year.  

It is believed 20 new jobs will be created in the Tesco Express store, with the retailer investing £1 million into the unit. 

The new supermarket on Merrywalks will also provide free parking for up to 16 cars outside the store.

Dransfield also stated that Tesco has 'committed to the town for 15 years'. 

James Shepherd, managing director of Dransfield Properties, said: “We are delighted to be working with Tesco to bring a convenient food offer to our local community, along with creating a number of new jobs for the area.” 

The new store joins other Tesco stores in the area including the Stroud Superstore on Stratford Road and Cam Superstore as well as express stores in Paganhill, Nailsworth and Chalford. 

Tesco have been approached for comment. 

The announcement comes after Halfords closed their doors for the final time last week. 

Halfords employed a team of nine people, six of those have been moved to the retailer's branch in Gloucester.