A YATE opticians has made a 'substantial investment' by moving to a new store, double the size of its current location. 

Specsavers Yate is set to move to a new unit in Yate Shopping Centre and store directors said the expansion will hugely benefit their customers an improve their experience.

The new locations will have more test rooms on the ground floor to improve accessiblity. The additional rooms allow for a bigger number of clinics, meaning more appointments will be available.

Store director Jagtaar Singh said: "Our vision (mind the pun) is to create an environment that allows the team to thrive, enabling them to deliver a customer experience that ensures everyone leaves with a smile.

"It’s been more than 12 years since the store was updated so the relocation is extremely exciting, not just for us as a team but for the local community too. 

"The improved staff facilities are an important addition, given how hard the team has worked since the pandemic started. We remained open throughout, so we wanted to give them a space that they could enjoy. 

State-of-the-art equipment will be installed throughout the store that is set to open on June 23, including an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machine which takes a detailed image of the back of the eye. This hospital-grade kit helps to detect some eye conditions up to four years earlier than traditional methods.

Customers will also benefit from a bigger contact lens area and a sound-proof audiology test room. 

Jagtaar added: "Five of our team are Yate locals and we’re currently recruiting for two new optical assistants, so if you’re interested, please get in touch. Optical or retail experience is desired but not essential.

"We’re really looking forward to the new store opening, the investment we’ve made will improve the experience across all our services and we can’t wait to welcome people through the doors."

The doors to the North Walk store will close at 4.30pm on Sunday, June 19 and the new store at 2/4 North Walk will open at 9am on Thursday, June 23