The new Sainsbury’s Local store on Lyndhurst Avenue is set to open its doors to the public on Friday.

JesmondLocal first revealed that the supermarket chain would open a new shop on the site in West Jesmond in October 2014.

Situated opposite the Lonsdale pub, the shop occupies the lot left behind by the Jesmond Picture House after its demolition in 2009 and is likely to be popular with students. Jesmond resident Amy Horne commented that “having the Sainsbury’s there for when you leave the pub will be fantastic.”

These comments are unlikely to be welcomed by the Jesmond Residents’ Association. The JRA has previously attempted to limit late-night, drunken behaviour by prohibiting Tesco Metro in Jesmond from remaining open after 4pm on Sundays. There does not seem to be a similar rule in place for Sainsbury’s at present; the shop will close at 11pm daily.

On the location of the store, Horne pointed to its convenience. “It will be much easier for people on the West Jesmond side of the Metro Line to get to a shop, Tesco always seems so far away.”

If this sentiment is echoed by other residents, it could result in a loss of custom for the Acorn Road store, as well as the independent shops nearby.

A number of local independent business owners around the new supermarket have privately expressed their concerns at a loss of business once the chain opens, though none would speak publicly.