A supermarket under construction in Kilmarnock plans to extend the size of the new store.

Tesco have submitted a planning application to East Ayrshire Council to extend the size of the store by a further 30,000 sq ft, which would bring the total floorspace to around 125,000 sq ft.

The proposed 30,000 sq ft extension would be in the form of a mezzanine floor level within the store.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: "I am extremely pleased that construction work on the 95,000 sq ft store that has already received consent, is moving forward at pace."

The Cllr said the new store is clear to see with much of the structure now in place.

"I visited the site yesterday with Councillor Jim Buchanan and we were advised of the remaining construction programme. The building is now very close to being wind and water tight, while the glazing element is almost complete.

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"Works to tarmac the car park will begin in the next few days and it is anticipated that the store will open towards the end of the summer," he said.

It is hoped the store will act as a catalyst for regeneration in the south of the town.

The Council have been working closely with Tesco to ensure the development is of a high standard and is integrated into the local area.

Amendments to the design of the store include changes to the frontage and changes to the elevation along the Kilmarnock Water, to ensure the store is sensitive to the nearby Dundonald Road Conservation Area.

Tesco and the Council have also been working with local businesses to minimise the impact of construction traffic on the surrounding roads.

Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Environment and Regeneration said: "The store will provide much needed new jobs and will increase the range of shopping facilities available for local people.

"I am happy to see that throughout the construction phase, the development has been employing local contractors, such as AJ Clark Concreting. I am greatly looking forward to visiting the store when it is opens to the public in a few months time."

A decision on the planning application for the expansion will be made in due course.

(GK/JM)