Finally replaced: What the new Countdown Hastings will look like

An artist's impression of the new Countdown store, which is set to open in the second half of next year. Photo / Supplied

Hastings' new Countdown supermarket is set to open in the second half of next year, replacing the current dated building.

Countdown's acting general manager of property Matt Grainger confirmed that the supermarket is building a 3850sq m replacement store on the same site on the corner of Queen and King Sts.

"We think our local customers will be as excited as we are," he said.

The existing store will be demolished and replaced with a carpark.

Countdown's acting general manager of property Matt Grainger is excited about the store's new features like an instore pharmacy. Photo / Supplied

Grainger said the new store would be larger, with a fresh, upgraded look and new features like an instore pharmacy.

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said she is looking forward to the development.

"We're really excited about that whole part of town," she said.

"We've been working with Countdown to look at opportunities to beautify the area."

Hazlehurst said the project, which is being built by local firm Wallace Development Company Limited, would add value to Hastings.

Work started on November 9.