MORE than 140 people are being recruited to work at the new Tesco store in Kinson as construction continues.

The supermarket at Wimborne Road is due to open in January and the main structure is now shut.

The Daily Echo was given a behind-the-scenes tour of the new store, which will be a similar size to the retail giant’s Branksome super-market.

Many years in the making, the development is being largely welcomed in Kinson, with hopes that it will become a focal point and help to boost the area, making it a destination for shoppers, rather than somewhere that they pass through.

Trevor Henstridge, who has been installed as store manager, has been with Tesco for 38 years, working at supermarkets around the country.

He told the Echo: “I’ve been on board now for the last eight weeks and everyone that I’ve spoken to, including the local businesspeople and members of the Kinson Business Forum, has been looking forward to us opening.

“I think it will support trade in Kinson. I describe Kinson as a classic superstore.

“This will be a 24,000 sq ft superstore, predominately food with a small clothing and essential non-food range.

“I was involved in Shepton Mallet a few years ago on the edge of the town and it brought footfall in.

“That’s my hope for Kinson, that it will make it a destination.”

Tesco is sponsoring and attending Kinson’s Christmas on the Green event on Saturday, November 29, and has appointed a ‘Community Champion’ for the area.

Maria Yeomans, personnel man-ager, added: “The recruitment process so far has been really positive and we’ve had huge interest from across the local community.”

There are still jobs up for grabs. Visit tesco-careers.com for details.

n Look inside the new store by watching the video at bournemouth echo.co.uk.

“We’ve also worked closely with the Princes Trust and local job centres to provide opportunities for disadvantaged young people and the long-term unemployed. I’m pleased to say that, of all the offers we’ve made so far, roughly 18 per cent have gone to people from these programmes.”