A Tesco Express finally opened after a 13 year wait for a commercial building in Waverley – providing a new vocal point and social area for the over 5000 residents.

This shop, which opened last Friday, is the first of many as part of the “We Are Waverley” development project which includes the opening of a new shopping area named Olive Lane which on the We Are Waverley site is quoted to eventually become the “heart of the community.”

Chris Nelson, a resident of Waverley said ” I think its really good , the whole development is really good as having something on site provides a focal point , there is also a very nice seating area with trees and it means my kids can go out and get a treat without having to get in the car.”

Before this development plan the only other non residential building was the Winter Green pub and a school.

Olive Lane will also provide many jobs to the community. Kevin Briscoe, a nearby resident of Waverley said “My son works at the Tesco’s, I’m all in favour of the development as it will provide great benefits to the community.”

Richard Hoff, Store manager of the Tesco’s in Waverley said ” We are delighted to open our new Tesco Express and begin serving the local community here in Waverly. The Store will feature a wide range of fresh produce and customer favourites including our meal deals, alongside our Costa Coffee machine and bakery section. We look forward to welcoming customers into our new store.”

The other buildings expected to open on Olive Lane include a Veterinary, a nursery, a restaurant and a new GP practice which are all expected to be fully opened this spring.

This development project is also accompanied by the building of the £20 million Marriot Hotel which is expected to be built by the end of 2025.

Houses have also been going up at a rate of 200 a year and all around Waverley new homes can be seen being constructed which will create a large community over the next few years.