VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Wegmans grocery store announced Thursday that they have signed a lease to build a store in Virginia Beach.

The site will be located near the southwest corner of the intersection of Virginia Beach Boulevard and Independence Boulevard. The existing vacant plaza at that location will be removed to make way for the new store.

The store will be up to 130,000 square feet with a parking deck in the front and a mezzanine level for cafe seating.

The municipal approval process will begin in January.

“We have wanted Wegmans to come to Virginia Beach for a very long time so this is truly great news,” said Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. “It will be a game-changer for shoppers and for the current and future development of our Town Center. That Virginia Beach attracts this kind of quality retailer is a testament to the potential of our community to continue to grow and prosper. The only day that will be better than the announcement day will be the day it opens.”

There is no word on an official opening date.