Supermarket giants Asda have announced plans to open a second store in Norwich and create around 300 new jobs.

The retailer is proposing to open a 35,000sqft store with a 350-space car park on the former Bally shoe factory site off Hall Road, in the south of Norwich.

The proposals also include a range of new facilities across the site, including a selection of smaller retail units, start-up business enterprise units, a pub, a gym and a new public square.

Chris Martin, Asda's senior property communications manager, said: 'We are excited to be proposing such major investment into the area, and are fully committed to finally developing such a key local site.

'We are aware that the community has been left frustrated by a lack of progress on Harford Place being redeveloped and would reassure people that we are serious and capable of bringing our plans to fruition.'

Asda is aiming to submit the planning application to Norwich City Council early next year, and ahead of that has arranged public exhibitions for next weekend at which local residents can learn more about the plans, and provide feedback.

The exhibitions will be held at St Paul's Church Hall on Little John Road on Friday, December 9, between 1pm and 8pm, and Saturday, December 10, between 10am and 2pm.

- For much more on this story, see tomorrow's Norwich Evening News.