The Heart of England Co-operative Society has opened the doors to a new £2.7 million Food store in Warwick – bringing the number of stores in its portfolio to 36.
The Co-operative - a 4,000 sq ft store, which has resulted in the creation of 20 new jobs, forms part of the wider £5.5 million, 8,500 sq ft Lower Heathcote Local Centre retail development which is also owned and operated by the Society.
Once complete, the site will also incorporate a chip shop, dentist and pharmacy. The fifth and final retail unit is still available for let.
The project has been delivered by the Society in partnership with LSP Developments and L&Q Estates. The units are being let by Harris Lamb.
The food store includes indoor seating, outdoor seating, Amazon lockers and electric vehicle charging facilities.
Product offerings include an enhanced gifting area and horticulture area, Aquavape, Jimmy’s popcorn, gift ideas by Warwickshire-based Prezzybox and Zero by Queenswood – a zero waste supplier.
Customers will also be the first to try the Society’s own newly-launched Deli. Co range which includes breakfast, lunch, hot food to go, snacks, fresh cakes, baguettes and sandwiches, and fresh tea and coffee.
Vending machines include Coca Cola, Fanta, Tango Ice Blast and Robinsons Fruit Ice.
It is the third store operated by the Society in the local area – after Warwick Gates and Woodloes – and the 36th Food store in the Society’s network, which spans Coventry, Warwickshire and parts of Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.
Steve Browne is the General Manager of the Food Division at the Heart of England Co-operative Society.
He said: “We have carefully planned this new store to bring together the very best features of our other outlets and to showcase a range of new features - not least our new Deli Co. fresh food and drink range.
“We have a long-standing, loyal customer base in the area already through our stores in Warwick Gates and Woodloes and we look forward to showing more customers what we have to offer at Lower Heathcote.”
Ian Hardwick, Managing Director at Warwick-based L&Q Estates which was among the organisations who worked together to bring the Local Centre to fruition, said: “We hope this important addition to the Warwick Gates development will be really popular with the growing community and provide a vibrant local centre for the benefit of local residents.”
Ed Sutton, Managing Director at LSP Developments, added: “The efficient delivery of the retail phase of Lower Heathcote Square is testament to a strong partnership throughout to include, Warwick District Council, L&Q Estates, the local community and Heart of England Co-op and its advisors. It is reward for each party’s proactive and positive approach, enabling LSP to deliver this well-designed retail facility.
“The community was keen to see this much-needed amenity and in Heart of England Co-op, they have the ideal community retailer.”
Main photo: Steve Browne, General Manager of the Heart of England Co-operative Society’s Food Division, Ali Kurji, Chief Executive of the Society and Clive Miles, Society President, celebrate the opening of The Co-operative at Lower Heathcote with pupils of Heathcote Primary School.
