Work starts on new Black Country Co-operative foodstore

Midlands Co-operative Society has appointed West Midlands Developer, Stoford Retail to start work on a new foodstore in Tividale boosting the regeneration of the Black Country area.
 
Planning approval from Sandwell Council has meant Midlands Co-operative Society have appointed Stoford to start transforming the disused former pub site on the corner of Oakham Road and Regent Street into an attractive new community retail development including a co-operative foodstore and veterinary practice.
 
The 9,000 sq ft development of three retail units has been designed by Birmingham architects 3DReid in an attractive ‘L’ shape with single storeys and soft landscaping to minimise its impact on surrounding properties. Work on the new store is due to start this month and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
 
The store will provide the best in convenience shopping with a wide range of foods including fresh produce and an in-store bakery. As well as being spacious and comfortable the store will incorporate the latest in energy efficient eco-friendly refrigeration and large windows to allow maximum natural light.
 
The store will also create around 30 new jobs boosting the local economy in the Black Country.
 
David Melhuish, Head of Development and Facilities at Midlands Co-operative Society, said: “We are pleased to again be working with Stoford Developments on a new foodstore in Tividale. Once completed, the foodstore will provide the local community with a wide range of products for their everyday shopping needs.”
 
Dominic Stokes, Director of Stoford Retail, said: “We are looking forward to starting work on our third development in the region for Midlands Co-operative Society, having already completed new stores in Hill Top, West Bromwich and All Saints Square in Shard End where the co-operative anchors a new district shopping centre.”
 
He added: “As well as regenerating a site that has remained vacant for a number of years, the new retail centre brings employment opportunities to the area and provides a valuable amenity for local residents.”