Food firm Cranstons is set to upgrade one of its major stores for the first time in almost two decades.

The company’s shop on Fisher Street, in Carlisle city centre, is set to undergo a “complete transformation” and will become a local produce hall.

This move is designed to bring the outlet – which has been at this site since 1985 – up to the standard of Cranstons’ most up-to-date stores in Brampton and Orton Grange.

It will continue to feature the shop’s butchery and delicatessen and expand on the ready-to-eat food already available, feature a breakfast and lunch takeaway area and more local produce, including lines popular in the company’s other stores.

It will also be licensed to sell wine and ale from three Cumbrian breweries.

Barry Pearson, the manager at Cranstons Carlisle, said: ‘We are really excited to be bringing the full Cranstons Food Hall concept to our loyal customers.

“I am particularly excited about the new and improved hot and cold takeaway food area which features a big new hot counter, a new bean to cup coffee machine and a completely new salad bar and sandwich area.’’

Postlethwaite Construction, of Longtown, will start work at the end of May and Cranstons aim to open the refurbished premises at the end of June. The shop will remain open throughout the project with sections being sectioned off for phased work to be completed.

Philip Cranston, managing director, said: “We last refurbished the shop in 1999 so I am looking forward to seeing the modern fresh interior and new more shopper- friendly layout our designer has devised come to fruition. The food hall concept, combining our own quality meats and delicatessen produce with food and drink from elsewhere in the county has proved a real hit elsewhere so we are very excited to be able to offer this shopping experience in the heart of Carlisle.”