A date has been set for the opening of a supermarket that will serve people living in an area where thousands of new homes have been built near Reading.

German supermarket giant Lidl is gearing up to open a new store in Shinfield, a growing commuter village south of Reading, home to a huge film studios site and Thames Valley Science Park.

The new Shinfield store in Beke Avenue will officially open its doors on Thursday, December 5, just in time for Christmas.

The grand opening will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by pupils from Shinfield Infant & Nursery School alongside Jimmy Peter, a cherished figure from the Tinnelly Construction team who ensured the build ran smoothly and safely.

The store will be open 8am–10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am–4pm on Sundays.

READ MORE: How many Lidls are there in Reading as supermarket carries out expansion plans

The 1,305m² sales area includes a bakery, 'the Middle of Lidl' containing seasonal offers, and customer-friendly facilities such as toilets with baby-changing and an 87-place car park with spaces reserved for electric vehicle charging.

The supermarket giant claims the store represents a multi-million pound investment and a boost to the area's economy with the creation of up to 40 new jobs.

James Mitchell, Regional Head of Property at Lidl GB, said: “We’re delighted to open our new Shinfield store soon, bringing a touch of Lidl magic to the community just in time for Christmas!

“Having local school pupils and Jimmy Peter – a real hero of the store build – help us cut the ribbon makes this opening truly special.

"We can’t wait to welcome our first shoppers and spread festive cheer with our award-winning range.”

The company is touting its welcoming offers, that will include taste sampling, Lidl Plus app user benefits, and seasonal specials such as pigs and blankets and lobster cocktail deluxe crisps sold for £1.25, deluxe all butter mince pies for £2.99, and deluxe gift-wrapped panettone sold for £9.99.

The opening of the store comes as Lidl marks its 30th anniversary in Great Britain, with the supermarket giant having a presence here since 1994.

The Lidl will be opened within the Shinfield West major development, an area of 1,200 homes, a primary school and a 'village centre' contained in Wokingham Borough Council's Local Plan.

The store was first teased when plans for the supermarket, community centre and around 25 homes for 'the village centre' were approved by Wokingham Borough Council's planning committee in October 2021.

READ MORE: Concerns new supermarket will attract 'the wrong kind of people'

A more detailed plan for the Lidl was given the go-ahead in the Winter of 2022.

The project proved divisive at the time, with a  neighbour claiming the store would "attract the wrong kind of people."

However, this suggestion was rebuffed by councillors.