The Hannaford supermarket in Gray is planning a significant expansion “designed to enhance the overall shopping experience while better meeting the needs of the community,” according to a news release.

According to a site plan submitted to the town, the store will expand from 36,337 square feet to 48,576 square feet.

The project will focus on expanding the store’s parking lot, add new self-checkout stations and a second store entrance, and provide customers with expanded produce, meat, and seafood departments.

The in-store pharmacy will also see a major expansion, with the addition of a private consultation room for immunizations. Other additions include the installation of a new carbon dioxide refrigeration system and electric cooking equipment, which will be in line with Hannaford’s sustainability standards.

When asked for further details on the expansion, the manager of the Gray branch referred Lakes Region Now to the press release.

The minutes of the Feb. 3. Planning Board meeting, at which plans for the expansion were approved, note that the property, which occupies three lots on Shaker Road, intends to combine Lots 1 and 3, while adding conceptual development design for Lot 2. Lot 2 has no known user or tenant. Although the site plan included plans for a fast food restaurant on Lot 2. Kristen Muszynski, Gray’s community planner, told Lakes Region Now that the restaurant has not been approved by the Planning Board.

Todd Bullen, vice president of retail operations for Hannaford Supermarkets, said that the expansion would offer Gray customers “an even better shopping experience while maintaining our commitment to fresh, quality food and dependable value.”

Town Manager Michael Foley also commended Hannaford for its continued commitment to Gray, praising the expansion as a significant investment into the community.

“The new services and features will greatly benefit our residents and the region,” Foley wrote in the press release, “and we appreciate Hannaford’s commitment to sustainability and enhancing the overall shopping experience. We look forward to the positive impact this project will have on our town.”

Work on the project is expected to begin in fall of 2025, continuing until summer 2026. Business hours and services would not be disrupted during the construction period.