PLANS to build a new £40m supermarket have been met with opposition from town centre campaigners.

The concerns came as Asda unveiled its proposals to build a new 49,000 sq-ft store on the ring road at Queens Street South, Huddersfield..

The plans are being shown to the public for the first time at the Lawrence Batley Theatre for just two days ending today .

The display marks the first phase of consultation about the development – which is expected to create 400 new jobs.

The proposed supermarket will be built on the Thomas Broadbent site on Queen Street South, between the ring road and Milford Street.

Access to the new store – which is expected to open in 2011 – will be down Chapel Hill, via an entrance on Milford Street.

The sprawling site will include a two-tier car park providing 560 spaces, cafe, pharmacy and full range of Asda products including George clothing.

The plan will also help engineering firm Broadbents secure its future by relocating its business to just one Queen Street base.

Philip Bartram, Asda property communications manager, said: “It is early stages and the plans are very much work in progress.

“This is a consultation and we are looking for feedback from local people.

“The plans haven’t been submitted for planning permission yet.

“We want to invest here and are not frightened of the competition.

“We do provide low prices are hoping customers will vote with their feet.”

He confirmed the similar-sized Bradford Road store would remain open.

But Chas Ball, secretary of the Town First campaign, wants to see more redevelopment inside the ring road.

He said: “If we want to ensure Huddersfield remains a busy, successful town the priority should be regeneration within the town centre.

“By offering free parking and non-food products and services, new supermarkets will grow partly at the expense of a vibrant town centre.

“We have a number of reservations about the plans by ASDA Walmart and Tesco to build large supermarkets at major junctions outside the town centre.

“We predict that at peak times there will also be traffic congestion at these key junctions on the ring road.”

Other businesses including Majestic Wines, Pet Warehouse and Gas Flair will have to go as part of the plans to make way for demolition.

Christopher Marsden, who co-ordinates the Huddersfield Gem campaign – for the future of Queensgate Market – said: “I think it is death by either Walmart or Tesco.

“I’m worried that this development will take life out of the town centre.

“If they are investing £40m, they must be expecting massive sales. They have to come from somewhere else.

“The town centre will be threatened by this. It will evaporate.”