Waitrose is set to open two new full-line supermarkets in Manchester and London this autumn as part of its £1bn investment programme.

The grocer is investing in new shops in Hale Barns, South Manchester, and Cricklewood, North West London, adding more than 30,000sq ft of selling space across the two locations.

Both sites are currently leased by Asda. Its Hale Barns store is still trading, while Cricklewood is a newly developed site.

Asda staff working at Hale Barns will transfer to become Waitrose Partners, while further recruitment will take place to fill additional roles across both supermarkets.

Waitrose retail director Tina Mitchell said: “These two new shops are an important step in our plans to bring Waitrose to more customers.

“We want to be in the places that matter most to our customers, offering the quality, service and convenience they expect from Waitrose, while continuing to invest in our existing shops and wider network.”

The openings form part of Waitrose’s wider growth strategy, which includes expanding into new locations and channels while upgrading its existing estate.

The retailer is refurbishing 28 shops this year as part of its long-term plan to modernise stores and improve the in-store experience.

The news follows Waitrose’s move into airport travel retail for the first time, with its products set to be stocked in four RELAY stores in Heathrow Terminal 2.

Sign up here to get the latest grocery and food news each morning