New opening date given for Tesco Express in Longton

The opening of a new Tesco Express in Longton has been delayed.

The Post revealed in April that the supermarket giant was taking over the former Blundell’s Hardware Shop in Liverpool Road, with a spokesman claiming the store would be open ‘later this year’.

But with building work still underway and the end of the year fast approaching, questions have been raised over the timeframe.

When asked if the store was still on track for opening in 2026, a spokesperson for Tesco said: “We’re planning to open a new Tesco Express store in Longton early next year. We look forward to welcoming customers to the store and will keep the local community updated with our plans as we get closer to opening.”

Tesco declined to give a reason for the delay.

Currently the site is fenced off and scaffolding remains in place, but work has taken place on a rear extension, car park work, and the fascia has been repainted in an anthracite grey colour.

What will it be like?

Tesco have planning permission for:

- Four non illuminated blue fascias

- One internally illuminated projecting sign

- One internally applied store directory

- Four internally applied vinyls

- One disabled parking sign mounted on a proposed pole

- One ‘Hello and Goodbye’sign mounted on proposed pole

- One promotional banner sign

They are also installing two new standard air conditioning units at the rear of the premises, enclosed on three sides with protective railing, one new Remote Ultra Low Noise Gas cooler, a new acoustic screen and a corner acoustic panel.

Building owner Nick Thompson was previously successful in applying for a single storey rear extension, partial demolition of a single storey side extension, and alterations to car park, access and servicing area.