New store’s fresh approach with green energy and food sharing

A SUPERMARKET which will run on renewable electricity is being built on a new housing site in Newport.

Work has started on a Co-op store that’ll be one of three new retail units at Jubilee Park in Rogerstone. The other two are currently being marketed.

Co-op’s £625,000 investment will create around 15 new jobs and is expected to open in spring 2021.

It will run on 100% renewable electricity and include customer car parking and a focus on fresh, heathy produce, wines, ready meals and pizzas, free-from and vegan products, Fairtrade, foodto-go and, everyday essentials.

The store will also look for a local not-for-profit organisation to partner with its Food Share scheme, which is designed to not only minimise food waste but also to share food with those in need in the community, helping to alleviate food poverty and hunger.

John Hillman, Co-op’s acquisition manager in Wales, said: “Co-op’s history in Wales dates back to the mid-1800s and it remains committed to connecting communities and making a difference locally.

“Our aim is to create social value in our communities and operate at the heart of local life providing what our members and customers want and need, conveniently.”

Rogerstone councillor, Chris Evans, of the Newport Independents Party, said he’s keen to see independent businesses take up the remaining two units, alongside the Co-op.

Cllr Evans said: “It’s great to be supporting the developer, helping bring an ethical retailer like the Co-op back to Rogerstone, very close to its original home many years ago on Tregwilym Road.

He added: “I’d love to see an independent take at least one of the units, maybe a cafe, a whole foods store, a butcher or a deli.

“I’ve always supported independents and we need to support them even more in these uncertain times.”

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