THE former supermarket building in the Oldway Centre is facing some challenges before it can reopen in April.

Work was due to start on the former Budgens store this week, but was delayed due to asbestos in the building.

The closure in March 2017 led to the loss of 21 jobs and the building, once a Somerfield and then Co-op supermarket, has been left empty whilst an occupant was sought.

Speculation has been rife over who will be the new occupants with names such as Aldi and Wilkinsons being connected with the store.

However, it has now been confirmed by Home Bargains that they are scheduled to open in April.

Given that the size of the building is to be around 18,000 square feet, it is expected to create a similar number of jobs.

David Cummings, chairman of the Monmouth and District Chamber of Commerce said he was pleased to see the building would soon be open for business again: “Since Budgens closed early last year, the small businesses of the Oldway Centre have suffered from a lack of footfall. We are pleased that a new operator for the Budgens store will redress the situation.”