The University has embarked on a process to attract bids to operate a supermarket on the ground floor of Bramber House, which is being refurbished.

The 3,500 sq ft space is currently occupied by the Students' Union newsagent, McColl's supermarket, a post office, a sandwich shop (Baguette Express) and toilets.

These will all remain open until the Easter vacation 2011, when work will begin to fit out the new convenience food store.

Charles Dudley, Director of Residential, Sport and Trading Services, says: "It has always been part of the plan for Bramber House to have a larger, better supermarket at the south end of the building."

The University is seeking initial expressions of interest through professional advisers. Selected companies will be sent a briefing pack and invited to submit a formal bid.

The bids received will be assessed by a Procurement Board and shortlisted companies will be called to make a presentation and answer questions. The Board will then make a decision.

The successful company will be offered a lease that will include full responsibility for the fit-out.

To facilitate the development, the Students' Union company has been given notice to vacate its food store in York House in July 2011 as well as the newsagent in Bramber House.

The Students' Union has been made aware of the University's intentions and the tendering process. It is understood that the Co-op, continuing their relationship with the Students' Union, intend to submit an expression of interest - which will be judged on an equal basis to any other bids.

The University's intention is to have just one food store on campus, which will be open for trade by summer 2011. It will complement the catering facilities now being developed on the ground and first floors of Bramber House.