Co-op opens doors after relocating across road
Co-op has served up a new, more spacious, food store in Aberfoyle’s Main Street following a £650,000 investment.
The convenience retailer has relocated to a new 4,400 sq. ft. store which runs on 100 per cent renewable electricity and supports over 20 local jobs.
The store has added self-service tills while online Click & Collect is also available.
Flooding fears had originally put a dampener on plans for the new store, but following further assessments and mitigation planning permission was eventually granted by Stirling Council planners.
The development involved altering and extending a vacant building at the heart of the village to replace a smaller Co-op which traded for several years further along the Main Street.
At the start of the process, the Co-op indicated the smaller store could eventually be subdivided into three smaller retail units to be made available for lease.
The new site was most recently Guyana Garden Centre, but this ceased trading a few years ago.
While there had initially been some concerns raised by a neighbouring business about the impact of the new store project on flooding risk, the plans for a new Co-op attracted support from Strathard Community Council and independent conservation and heritage charity Friends of Loch Lomond and Trossachs.
In a submission to national park planners at that time, community council chair Trevor Geraghty said: “Independent advice provided to the community council indicates the proposed development will not materially alter the flood risk as a result of the development.
“The site has lain derelict for a considerable period of time and continues to deteriorate. The developers have considerable experience working with the Co-op to create new buildings in semirural environments so there is every expectation that the development when complete will enhance the Aberfoyle Main Street as well as provide a better shopping facility for locals and visitors.”
Friends chair James Fraser had said the relocation of the Co-op store to larger premises with dedicated parking would have a number of community and traffic management benefits, adding: “The development will lead to a vacant ‘eyesore’ site in a prominent location being brought back into use and contribute to wider village regeneration efforts.”
The new store’s environmental efforts, meanwhile, include compostable carriers for shoppers who forget their bags for life, as a more sustainable alternative to single use plastic bags.
Locals can also make savings and help local good causes through the Co-op’s membership scheme. Membership of the Co-op unlocks in-store offers, and sees members rewarded with 2p in every pound they spend on Co-op branded products which is added to their own personal membership account balance. The Co-op also donates the same amount to local causes.
Simon Barrass, Co-op store manager, said: “The store has a great new look, and we have received a great response – we are delighted to have had the opportunity to carry out such a significant investment in Aberfoyle – we have worked to develop the range, choice, products and services locally that will create a really compelling offer in the community.
“Co-op is committed to connecting communities and making a difference locally and so we would also want customers to know that they can become a member of the Co-op. By shopping at the Co-op our members are helping to make good things happen in the community.”
Opening between 6am-10pm the store includes Amazon Lockers and a bakery.