Local and state officials were on hand for Monday’s groundbreaking ceremonies on a sloping 60-acre site on the North side of Route 145 in Walnutport and Lehigh Township where Ohio-based Zaremba Group plans to build a new Kmart store.

The 120,000-square-foot store has been in the planning stages for the past four years and will replace a 55,000-square-foot store presently located at 500 Main St., Walnutport.

Officials said the store is expected to be opened for business next Spring.

State Rep. Roy Afflerbach was joined by Lehigh Township Supervisor John Klutzaritz joined company officials in the ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony.