Up to 70 jobs will be created when Waitrose completes a multi-million pound refurbishment of its Saffron Walden store, the supermarket giant has said.

Waitrose will mark its 30th anniversary in Saffron Walden by beginning work on the Hill Street store at the beginning of next year.

A 6,000 sq ft temporary store will remain open on site, trading during the majority of the refurbishment, but there are brief closures planned to ensure customers’ safety and minimise disruption to the town.

The Waitrose Delivery Service will continue to operate throughout.

The new look shop has been designed in response to changing shopping habits and an increased use of technology, the company said, “to offer shoppers a better customer experience, focusing on hospitality and innovative concepts”.

New eat-in areas will be introduced throughout the branch, and there will also be a new café, extensive wine department and a fresh bakery.

Branch manager Malcolm Domb said: “At Waitrose we are committed to the communities in which we operate and this project represents a significant investment into the town centre.

“After three decades of trading from Saffron Walden, we are looking forward to providing our loyal customers with a fantastic new branch, that we hope will attract even more people to the area.

“While we recognise that there will be some short disruption to the town, we believe that the new store will bring long term benefits to Saffron Walden, and anchor the high street for many years to come.”

An additional 70 jobs could also be created when the branch reopens in the summer of 2015.

A new multi deck car park will be built, with better access to the branch, and while the car park is closed for works between January and August, a free shuttle service will operate for customers between Waitrose and the Swan Meadow car park.

The Hill Street branch will remain open as usual throughout the Christmas period until work starts on January 12.