THE man spearheading the £6million project to refurbish Tesco in Springfield Road says the "thriving city" of Chelmsford deserves more choice.
The 35,000 square foot store will unveil a new meat, fish, coffee, bread and cheese counter on May 24, as well as a "grab 'n' go" food bar.
Tesco's City Kitchen, seen in just one other store in the country, will also extend to an all-day counter, serving porridge in the morning, soup at lunch and curry for dinner time.
Refit manager Robert Kendrick dismissed fears it would take away business from surrounding restaurants and cafes.
He said: "The people of Chelmsford are going to be treated to a palace, an absolute palace.
"I don't think (we are a threat to businesses) as Chelmsford is a thriving city.
"If you look back 20 years ago into the 90s and look at where the city is now, it's moved on, and the people of Chelmsford deserve more choice.
"But if you try to go in the Costa in Chelmsford at any time you are going to be queuing out of the door – there is plenty of customers to go around.
"It's freedom of choice at the end of the day and they can choose where they want to go."
Work started on the project on April 1 and Mr Kendrick estimates there are about 50 contractors on site per day.
The store, which has already had its roofing panels modernised, will close on May 18 to allow for a final push to completion.
The grand opening will follow a VIP open evening on May 23.
