An Asda express store is set to open in Lilliput at the end of the month, replacing the existing Co-op petrol station.

The new Asda Express on Sandbanks Road is opening as part of an acquisition of 132 retail sites, with attached petrol stations, from Co-op.

The site was acquired last year as part of Asda’s move into the convenience market.

It is part of the retailer’s long-term strategy to become the UK’s second-largest supermarket by moving into the fast-growing convenience market worth a reported £40 billion per year.

The converted Asda Express will stock a range of branded and own-label products to ‘suit a broad range of customer needs.’

Colleagues currently employed by The Co-op will be able to transfer to the new Asda Express.

Andy Perry, VP of convenience at Asda, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be bringing our Asda value and quality to this community with the conversion of the existing Co-op site on Sandbanks Road.

“The continued rollout of Asda Express stores marks an incredibly exciting moment for our business and accelerates our presence in the fast-growing convenience market.”