Co-op to open £550,000 food store in Elsea Park
The Co-operative Food plans to spend £550,000 building a new shop in Elsea Park in Bourne, creating 20 jobs in the community.
The firm confirmed this week what had been suspected since January, that it wants to open a shop in Musselburgh Way.
An application for a premises licence has been submitted to South Kesteven District Council. The shop could be the first of three business units to be built on the site. Taylor Wimpey was granted planning permission to build three business units in March, and the Co-op is expected to take the larger of the three.
Regional acquisition manager for the Co-operative Food Paresh Pancholi said: “The Co-op is investing to transform and grow its convenience business as it continues to take strides towards achieving its ambition of becoming the UK’s number one convenience retailer.
“Bourne is a great location for the Co-op and we are delighted that, subject to approvals, there is an opportunity to create a new, 3,000 sq ft convenience store with which to serve the community.
“The new Co-op food store would represent an investment of around £550,000, and a store of its size would typically create over 20 jobs. The Co-op is a community retailer and, in addition to transforming and growing its convenience business, it is also investing in lowering the price of everyday essentials, including pruning the price of fresh fruit and veg and introducing revolving offers on popular produce known as ‘fresh three’.
“We are confident that our new store would be a real asset to the community, with a focus on fresh, healthy foods, meal ideas and essentials and as a community retailer, and a co-operative, it will play its part in local life too.”
According to the licensing application, available to view at www.southkesteven.gov.uk, the Co-op wants to be able to serve alcohol from 7am to 11pm Monday to Sunday.
No-one has publicly expressed an interest in the two smaller business units.
The Co-op shop is the latest boost for Bourne’s retail scene. Discount supermarket firm Lidl has planning permission to build a shop in the area known as Gateway Park, next to the new McDonald’s off the A15 roundabout.
Read more:
Plans for three stores on Bourne housing estate.