Tesco has gone underground with its first fully subterranean store.

The Metro store on London’s Tooley Street is all underground except for the entrance lobby, forming part of the 7 More London Riverside Development occupied by Pricewaterhouse Coopers.

Large fans were sued to ensure workers were protected from dust generated during the build process. They extracted fumes and dust from the store to the top of the building, seven storeys up.

The store has also provided 83 new jobs.

“The delivery of this underground store will provide a welcome boost to the retail environment in the heart of the capital,” said Tesco corporate affair manager Tony Fletcher.

“The new format is a great example of our continued commitment to keeping our business fresh and trying new ideas.”