A HUGE south Essex supermarket has regained its title as the "largest Tesco in the UK" after bosses carried out a major refurbishment. 

Tesco Extra, off High Road, Pitsea, officially holds the title of the supermarket giant’s largest store after a revamp of both the interior and exterior saw the shop fully transformed. 

The shop became the largest supermarket in all of Europe when it first opened in the 1970s but lost its title as the UK’s largest to the store in Walkden, Manchester. 

Exciting - Major refurbishment is completeExciting - Major refurbishment is complete (Image: Tiger Bond)


Now, thanks to the refurbishment it has regained the top spot and boats an improved cafe, huge clothing department alongside a new Tesco Travel Money counter and Max Spielmann Photo Shop. 

The store has also been consolidated on one floor to improve accessibility as well as enhancing the store experience and providing a “more convenient and enjoyable shopping experience”. 

Store manager Amber Amis said: “We are incredibly excited about this extensive refurbishment and hope that our customers will be too. 

Refurb - A celebratory cake to mark the occasion Refurb - A celebratory cake to mark the occasion (Image: Tiger Bond)


“The improvements aim to make the shopping trip not only more convenient but also more enjoyable.

“We would like to thank our loyal customers for their patience during the refit and look forward to welcoming them back to the transformed store.”

Tesco’s investment in the community has extended beyond the refit as Ghyllgrove Primary School, in Basildon, recently received a £1,500 donation from Tesco, which has positively impacted the children and families it serves.

The donation has been utilised to purchase sensory toys to aid children in developing self-regulation skills, warm clothing for sporting events, and to create a calming area within the school.

The funds have also supported breakfast provisions and provided food and clothing packages for families experiencing financial hardship.

Furthermore, the donation has helped facilitate specialist therapeutic support, including “Draw and Talk” therapy, to foster emotional resilience.

Melanie White, senior mental health lead at Ghyllgrove Primary School, added: “Tesco’s ongoing support has made a real difference in the lives of our students and families.

“At Ghyllgrove, we are committed to empowering our community with resources and strategies for emotional well-being. With no designated budget for our pastoral unit, such donations are vital in meeting the growing needs of our children and families.”