Sainsbury’s is creating up to 80 new jobs as part of plans to expand one of its Wolverhampton stores.

Developments at the branch in Rookery Street, Wednesfield, will include a 21,600 sq ft extension and a new customer cafe.

The vacancies, split between full and part-time positions, will include shelf-stackers, warehouse workers and catering staff.

The existing petrol station will be relocated to improve access and traffic flow. Plans also include more space for cyclists, a revamped entrance lobby and new trees and landscaping.

Sainsbury’s development executive Christian Wakelin said today: “We hope members of the public will come and see how our plans can benefit local residents and shoppers.”

He added that the company welcomed the public’s opinions on the scheme so that they can be considered as part of the public consultation.

“Our proposals will bring a wide range of employment opportunities to the area, and we will work closely with the local Jobcentre Plus to ensure the jobs will be filled by residents living in and near Wednesfield,” Mr Wakelin said.

Wednesfield councillor Neil Clarke said: “I’m very much in favour of the possibility of new jobs which could prove very useful, although I remain concerned about the future of the smaller independent shops in the area.”

The petrol station will be moved to the south of Kenmare Way and connected to the store’s car park via the roundabout between Well Lane and Kenmare Way.

The car park entrance will also be relocated and accessible on the same roundabout.

Members of the supermarket’s project team will be in the store on Saturday between 10am and 2pm to discuss plans with customers.

Response cards and a comments book are also available in the supermarket until December 5.

Leaflets giving details of the scheme are available at Wednesfield Library.

All of the feedback will be considered before formal plans are lodged with Wolverhampton City Council, either next month or early in the new year.

The firm says it cannot confirm how much it will invest in the expansion.