Construction is almost complete on the state-of-the-art Main Street store, with the large-scale recruitment process which attracted more than 1,000 applicants for 150 jobs now at the interview stage.

As part of plans to put Asda at the heart of the community, bosses are now searching for a‘local hero’ to open the store. diane Allan, Asda Barrhead’s store manager, said: “As the newest addition to Barrhead, we will be tireless in our efforts to support the local area and will be launching our community life initiative in the coming weeks.

“To prepare for this, we want to celebrate those individuals who are already playing their part and ensure a true local hero opens our store.” This week, the retailer reaffirmed another commitment to the community, saying customers can expect to find local produce at Asda Barrhead.

It was also confirmed that clothing will be sold by the shop through Asda’s own brand line.

As previously revealed in the Barrhead News, the store has been built on two levels, with the store floor being level with the Main Street, where a new civic square is being created with pedestrian access through the main doors of the store.

Car parking for 250 cars will be available below the building with an electric “travelator”—a trolley and pram friendly escalator —transporting shoppers to the shop floor.

The car park would also feature the town’s first public electric car charging points.

It is understood that the store will not be open 24 hours a day, however the petrol station will be.

Earlier this month a time capsule that was disturbed by the building works was reburied, alongside a 2014 capsule, including that week’s edition of the Barrhead News.

Lisa Rooke, Asda’s senior property communications manager, added: “The completion of the new Asda store will play a major part in the town’s regeneration and we thought it would be timely to mark this with the burial of a time capsule filled with suggestions from local school children.

“I’d like to thank all the pupils who submitted ideas for this project.

The standard and creativity of the suggestions was extremely high and it was very difficult to pick a shortlist.” With regard to the store’s search for a local hero to open the store, people can be nominated by family, friends or work colleagues.

It could be someone who constantly makes life better for people in the Barrhead area or someone who goes that extra mile for a particular cause or person.

Nominations are being accepted up toWednesday July 30 and can be sent via email to asdascotland@havasww.com, or in writing to: Asda Barrhead local hero, c/o havas Pr, 26 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh EH12 5Al.

The local hero will receive a £100 gift card and will take part in the official ribbon duties. A donation of £50 will also be made to a local charity of his or her choice.