LUDLOW Food Centre is expanding with the creation of two new jobs that will make the business one of the largest employers in the area with nearly 100 people on the payroll.

When it opened in 2007 the Food Centre offered a conferencing facility above the main food hall.

This ceased in 2013 when the conference room became a temporary cafe due to the expansion of the centre’s cafe, Ludlow Kitchen.

Since then the space has been empty but now plans have been approved for a new kitchenware and gift shop that will open in November.

The development is being orchestrated by Food Centre managing director Edward Berry.

"There is definitely a growing market for culinary gifts,” said Edward Berry, the managing director of the Food Centre.

“Many of the products will be supplied by local crafts people.”

The Food Centre’s retail manager Charmaine Blatchford has been selecting the suppliers.

“We are lucky to have local talent like this and these products will help to balance our product offering which will also include internationally inspired giftware,” she said.

The space above the main food hall will be accessible by both stairs and a lift.

The new kitchenware and gift department is due to open in November and will feature specially selected Christmas products as well as kitchenware and gifts.