Foodstuffs will redevelop its New World store in Milford, Auckland, following a review of its long term plans.

The last day of trade for the current store will be March 15, with the new supermarket to be built and opened before Christmas.

Doug Cochrane, GM retail at Foodstuffs North Island said it was determined the best way the brand can continue to serve the Milford community is with a brand new store.

“Our New World Milford store is one of our oldest in the group and it’s time we gave the Milford community a brand new store,” said Cochrane.

“We determined a renovation of the old building simply wasn’t the best option.

“We want to ensure we are able to be here for many years to come, so we have decided that due to the existing store already being in the best location, a rebuild and creation of a new generation New World is the best way forward.”

New World Milford owner and operator, Sarah Aston acknowledged the upcoming disruption to its customers, saying, “we think the result will be well worth it in the long run as the rebuilt store will have 40 per cent more retail space than the current store”.

Foodstuffs will work with staff to redeploy them to stores in surrounding stores, including the new Browns Bay store, to open on March 17.

During the rebuild New World Milford are being directed to nearby New World stores including Browns Bay, Birkenhead, Albany, and Devonport.