A new St Albans branch of the Co-op is opening tomorrow (Thursday) following a controversial planning fight.
The Co-op on Watford Road, Chiswell Green, has been built in the former pub garden of the historic Grade II listed Three Hammers pub. Sixteen new jobs have been created for the shop.
The store was originally supposed to be a Sainsbury’s Local. The supermarket giant won an appeal to build a convenience store next to the pub despite fierce local opposition and the fact it has a major supermarket just two miles drive away.
Why Sainsbury’s pulled out and the Co-op took its place has not been revealed.
Co-op store manager Maria Moran-Long said: “The Co-op is committed to transforming and growing its convenience business and we are delighted to be making such a significant investment in Chiswell Green – the new store looks great and it really is an exciting time for the whole team.”
Co-op area manager, Andy Tomlinson, added: “The return to our clover leaf design logo – first used in the 1960s – aims to re-establish the Co-op as a centre for the community, and we want shoppers to know that they can become a co-owner and member of their Co-op.”
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