A huge new supermarket has opened in a village on the outskirts of Norwich ahead of a major housing boom. 

The ribbon was cut at the region's latest Central Co-op in Coachmaker Way in Hethersett earlier today, welcoming hundreds of shoppers through its doors.

It is the first business to move into the Heather Gardens Local Centre, a retail space which includes the 4,320 sq ft supermarket and three 1,000 sq ft units. 

Eastern Daily Press: The 4,320 sq ft supermarket is part of the Local Centre retail spaceThe 4,320 sq ft supermarket is part of the Local Centre retail space (Image: Newsquest)

The Local Centre is one of a number of community facilities being delivered as part of the Heather Gardens project off Little Melton Road.

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The scheme will see 1,196 homes constructed by both Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon Homes. 

Eastern Daily Press: Manager Tom Ashton (middle) with staff members Lily Cownley, Sharon Pritchard, Chloe Kirkland, Sam Warburton and James ConstableManager Tom Ashton (middle) with staff members Lily Cownley, Sharon Pritchard, Chloe Kirkland, Sam Warburton and James Constable (Image: Newsquest)

A doctor's surgery, sports pitches, a recreational space and play areas are all proposed to be included in the area's development.

A spokesman for Central Co-op said: "As well as everyday essentials the store will feature a range of food-to-go options including hot food and an Insomnia coffee machine serving fairtrade coffee."

Manager Tom Ashton led the inaugural opening day with some of the new staff who offered Central Co-op memberships to visitors outside the front doors.