Nearly a year after a devastating arson attack that left it a smouldering wreck, Waitrose Banstead has been rebuilt and is due to re-open its doors on Thursday.
It has taken 348 days, 466,800 working hours and 120 workers, to get the multi-million pound store, in the High Street, re-opened in time for Christmas.
The fire, which happened in December last year, completely destroyed the store, forcing the evacuation of nearby residents and damage adjacent shops. A dozen fire engines fought the inferno for several hours before it was finally brought under control.
The new, larger, store has a two-storey car park and coffee shop. The work has led to the creation of 70 new local jobs.
Employees who had been moved to other stores are returning to the Banstead branch and the temporary Waitrose store created in the old Woolworth’s store in Banstead is closing simultaneously.
Crispin Blunt, MP for Reigate and Banstead said: “I am delighted that Waitrose are ready to open in Banstead this week. "Only 49 weeks after the fire devastated the supermarket last December it is great news for the people of Banstead that Waitrose is again open for business. "I am especially pleased that the store will be up and running in time for Christmas and I hope that it will draw shoppers from across Surrey into Banstead High Street.”
Stuart Thompson, Waitrose Banstead branch manager, said: “Having traded in Banstead for over 40 years, the store really couldn’t have been built without the support and encouragement of the community.
“It’s a tremendous achievement to have been able to re-build and re-open the store in such a short space of time - it’s been record-breaking for Waitrose. "The speed and devotion of the works really shows how committed we are to Banstead - and being able to welcome 70 new partners to the store is just the icing on the cake.
“The encouragement and enthusiasm from our customers has been amazing, and I would like to thank the town for everything on behalf of all our partners.”
County councillor Dr Lynne Hack said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Waitrose is re-opening in Banstead. "It’s a much-loved store that has been sorely missed and will, on its return, bring back some vitality to the village. "Its design is in keeping with that of the village, which again is something that I’m very pleased about.”
Mr Blunt and Mayor Richard Mantle will be visiting the store at 3.30pm on Thursday to talk to employees and customers.
Waitrose Banstead is also supporting the Banstead Light Switch on Sunday, November 29, and is sponsoring the Community Christmas Tree.
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