Sainsburys store_0001

Source: Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s has acquired leaseholds for 11 Homebase stores overall, which it plans to convert into supermarkets

Sainsbury’s has acquired the leasehold of a Homebase store in Glenrothes, which it plans to convert into a new supermarket in 2025.

The site on the Saltire Retail Park is the 11th former Homebase store the supermarket has acquired from HHGL this year, following an initial deal for 10 announced in August.

Sainsbury’s is looking to add more than 300,000 sq ft to its store footprint over the next three years, under CEO Simon Roberts’ Next Level strategy.

Most of the space will be created by a programme to renovate 180 of its existing largest-format stores. However, it has been acquiring stores from Homebase and some from Co-op in areas where it doesn’t currently have a presence.

Once completed, the new Glenrothes store will be around 24,000 sq ft and employ a team of around 100. The supermarket will guarantee an interview for any Homebase workers affected by the changes. The process is still subject to planning approval from Fife Council.

Read more: Sainsbury’s Next Level strategy is pretty basic… but also ballsy

“As we progress with our Next Level Sainsbury’s plan, and our commitment to bring more of our food offer to more customers, we are focused on delivering fantastic new supermarkets in key locations where we know they will succeed,” said Sainsbury’s director of property, procurement and EV ventures Patrick Dunne.

“This store will showcase some of the best of Sainsbury’s, and we’re excited to bring a new store to Glenrothes for the first time. We look forward to sharing more details about our plans with the local community in the coming weeks.”

The acquisition comes as Sainsbury’s reached another property milestone, with the opening of its 62nd Smart Charge electric vehicle charging hub in Tamworth, Staffordshire. The retailer has now opened 500 charging bays around the UK since the launch of the Smart Charge business in January.