Business

30 new jobs in Tesco store revamp

TESCO is creating 30 new jobs at its flag-ship Knocknagoney store following a £2.3 million revamp.

The new-look store will feature a beauty salon and travel agents.

Opened 15 years ago, the shop on the outskirts of Belfast attracts more than 2.5 million shoppers a year.

The new jobs will bring to 460 the number working at the Knocknagoney outlet.

Nine of the new posts will be in the beauty salon.

The project is part of £44.5m overall investment in Northern Ireland stores this year including £35m being spent on a new Tesco Extra store in Ban-bridge.

Store manager Nicola Irvine, pictured, said the changes at Knocknagoney were part of a roll-out of "next generation" Tesco Extra stores.

"The changes have been significant and with the addition of many new features including Beautyworld we believe we are offering shoppers something completely new and different," she said.

"As well as the first Virgin Travel outlet and Beautyworld in Northern Ireland we have added a Phone Shop and the province's first Tesco Community room where local groups can meet. It really is a signature project."

"The feedback already has been very strong and we're delighted also to announce plans to host Tesco Northern Ireland's first 'indoor market' featuring 16 local suppliers."

Beautyworld will offer everything from eyebrow, upper and lower lip threading to false eyelashes, eyebrow or eyelash tinting and teeth whitening.

* PLENTY TO DO: Former Ireland and Ulster rugby star Paddy Wallace takes some time out from planning his summer rugby camps run through the Paddy Wallace Rugby Academy, supported by Tesco (www.paddywallacerugby.com), while Tesco Knocknagoney Beautyworld manager Jill Bleakney, centre, fits in a manicure, and former Miss Great Britain Gemma Garrett chooses a dream getaway from Virgin Holidays, which now has a travel shop at the Knocknagoney store PICTURE: Brian Morrison