MARCH OPENING IN STORE FOR CO-OP AT WEMBLEY CENTRAL

St. Modwen, the UK’s leading regeneration specialist, has confirmed details of the opening of a new Co-operative Food supermarket at its Wembley Central development.

The Co-op has taken 10,000 sq ft of space and has already begun fitting out the new store, which will be open for customers by the middle of March. Co-operative Food is the fifth largest supermarket brand in the UK, with sales of £1.7 billion in the last quarter of 2010.

Killian Morris, senior development manager at St. Modwen, said: “Another retailer has recognised the potential of Wembley Central and, in the Co-op, we have a major food store which will draw more shoppers into the heart of the centre. It adds to an existing retail line-up including TK Maxx, Peacocks, Bonmarche and Iceland already trading at the development.

“Wembley Central continues to attract major retail brands, which is testimony to the strength of Wembley as a trading location. It highlights the positive impact our £90m regeneration is having on the town. We’re confident that the Co-op’s presence will attract further shops to open at Wembley Central. Interest is gathering pace in the remaining space, with several other retail units already under offer.

“The Co-op food store will be perfectly located for shoppers and residents, and will be very convenient for commuters picking up groceries and other necessities on their way to and from the train station. Customers will also be able to use Wembley Central’s recently refurbished car park.”

Once the final phase completes, Wembley Central will provide 135,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space, together with 23,000 sq ft of offices at Ramsey House, and Central Apartments – a development of 117 private apartments to complement 85 affordable homes already completed on site.