Waitrose has announced that it will be refurbishing over 20 stores this year as part of a major £1billion investment. The supermarket, which has 429 stores across the UK, is set to invest in new stores and improvements to 150 existing branches over the next three years.

The changes are part of Waitrose's plans to broaden its reach across the country. The latest expansions include its franchise stores with Welcome Break in Spaldwick, Cambridgeshire and Rotherham, as well as a convenience store in Southwick, West Sussex. This summer, two more stores will open at Welcome Break road service areas in Hickling, Leicestershire, and Newark, Nottinghamshire. Waitrose will also be opening its first new full-line store in seven years.

James Bailey, managing director for Waitrose, said: "We are moving up a gear in store investment as we open in new locations and modernise our existing estate to bring quality, service and value that customers love about Waitrose closer to more people."

The brand new full-line store will be built at Brabazon, an award-winning new town in North Bristol. The multi-million pound deal agreed with YTL Developments is the first major commercial partnership announced at Brabazon.

He added: "Brabazon is one of the most exciting new city districts in the UK, driving the growth of one of the UK's most vibrant and successful regional economies. Partnering with YTL Developments at Brabazon underlines our ambition and the opportunity we believe we have to grow our reach."

The shop, which will cover an area of 30,000 square feet, is expected to open in 2027 and will create around 150 new jobs.

Customers will be able to find Waitrose's "quality leading" food, popular fresh food counters, online grocery shopping, and on-demand grocery service.

Seb Loyn, planning and development director at YTL Developments, said: "The arrival of Waitrose in 2027 is not only great news for the thriving community of new residents at Brabazon. It shows that this new city district is now firmly established as one of the most attractive destinations for both homebuyers and commercial investment in the South West."