Sainbury’s looks to be preparing to redevelop its existing Huntingdon store – but insisted any upgrading will not affect its plans for a new supermarket.

As part of the £25million development of Huntingdon, Sainsbury’s is expected to move to Edison Bell Way where it has planning permission to build a bigger supermarket with a larger petrol station, creating 200 new jobs in addition to the existing 200, and create a shop-lined walkway linking the store to the town.

The plans to move from its existing store in St Germain Walk have been delayed as Sainsbury’s does not yet own the land.

Rumours had been circulating of a multi-million pound revamp to its current shop.

A spokesman told The Hunts Post: “Wherever possible we are always looking to improve our existing stores to ensure that they meet customer expectations.”

However, the company denies that it would affect the overall plan for Huntingdon, stating: “Any future improvements at our current town centre store would not preclude us developing our new store.

“We are currently undertaking detailed technical work linked with our planning permission for a new store and the wider regeneration plans for the town centre.

“Given the complex nature of the plans, this will take time and needs to be completed before construction can commence. We will keep the community updated on our progress and before any work begins on site.”

The existing shop, when vacated, will be developed for retailers to move into with the petrol station making way for a new two-storey retail unit.

Elsewhere in Chequers Court, the former Inland Revenue building has been demolished to make way for more shops.