Co-op to close as larger neighbour gets £650k revamp

A CO-OP store in a Derby suburb is to close as a nearby branch undergoes a major revamp.

The Co-operative Food store in Chapel Street, Spondon, will close its doors for the final time on Wednesday, March 31.

The decision to close the branch has been taken following a review, which will see Spondon’s larger Co-op store in Sitwell Street undergo a £650,000 transformation over the coming weeks.

Located less than a five-minute walk away from the Chapel Street store, the Sitwell Street branch is to temporarily close on Wednesday, March 17, to embark on its planned programme of works.

The new-look Sitwell Street branch will then relaunch on Thursday, April 1, as the sole Co-op Food store in the city suburb.

Ben Bennett, Co-op area manager, said: “We are pleased there is an opportunity to carry out such a significant investment and programme of works to enhance and improve our offer in the community.

“The improvements to our Sitwell

Street store will ensure it is fit for the future, and it will relaunch the day after the closure of our nearby Chapel Street store – ensuring we can continue to provide access to food and services throughout the planned works.”

The Chapel Street store employs 10 members of staff, who have been informed of its upcoming closure.

Mr Bennett added: “Supporting our colleagues, who have been informed, is a number one priority – we are working to fully support them throughout the changes, with vacancies and opportunities in the new-look store and across the surrounding area.

“The changes enable Co-op to invest in the village and develop the range, choice, products and services locally that will create a really compelling offer in the community when we relaunch our Sitwell Street store.”

Following the refurbishment, the Sitwell Street store will run on 100% renewable electricity. The branch features an in-store bakery, a free ATM, and Costa Coffee express, as well as customer car parking.