Waitrose and Van Hage confirmed this week that they are exploring with district planners the possibility of building a new Waitrose food store alongside the existing Van Hage store in Great Amwell.

The proposal would provide shoppers with the latest Waitrose offer and also see parts of the Van Hage store redeveloped to provide its customers with an improved shopping experience.

Details are still being worked upon, however the project team hopes to bring forward plans in the near future at a public exhibition where they will seek the views of local people and businesses.

Waitrose Director of Development, Nigel Keen, said:  "It's no secret that we have had a long-standing aspiration to have a new store in the area. Whilst plans are still evolving, we are excited by the potential of putting the Waitrose brand alongside Van Hage. We have a shared ambition to bring more investment into the area, which can deliver significant employment opportunities and ensure a popular destination offers an even better experience and more choice for shoppers."

Van Hage Managing Director, Chris Roberts, said:  “This exciting new project will create a great future for Van Hage, its staff and customers alike. Both organisations have been working together for some time and are now ready to consult with the local community to get their views before submitting a planning application. We are delighted at the prospect of having Waitrose join us at Great Amwell.”