HUNDREDS of new jobs will be created when supermarket giant Waitrose launches a new “virtual” store in Acton.

The chain will set up an online grocery store, with its supply warehouse being built at 96 Victoria Road – creating 350 jobs in the process.

Waitrose current online shopping system means it picks orders in each customer's local branch.

However, in London there is heavy demand for peak slots such as weekends and Friday evenings.

The new system will allow customers, both local and further away, to place multiple orders with delivery slots as late as 11pm.

And the new 100,000 sq.ft. capacity warehouse will be located close to the site of the very first Waitrose shop, originally called 'Waite, Rose and Taylor', which opened in Acton in 1904.

Hitesh Taylor, ward councillor for East Acton, said: “The number of jobs that this will generate is great news for the area.

“My biggest hope for the venture would that the jobs would be sourced locally and employment opportunities were given to people who lived nearby.

“The fact that this will be an online store says a lot about people's lfestyles, but I'm glad that Waitrose are making use of that part of Acton.”

Howard Beaumont, business develoment manager for the Park Royal Partnership said: “This is a very welcome boost for the local economy with the projected creation of 350 jobs at Waitrose’s new ‘virtual shop’ in Park Royal.

“It also means the continued association of the John Lewis/Waitrose partnership with the area.”

The new store is set to be up and running by Autumn.