Co-op plans £1.2m expansion with new shops in Sandwick and Scalloway

NATIONAL retailer Co-op is planning to open new shops in Sandwick and Scalloway as part of a £1.2 million expansion which could create 30 jobs.

The convenience stores would be located at Stove in Sandwick and East Voe in Scalloway, and Co-op hopes that they could be open in late 2022.

Planning applications have been submitted by the Edinburgh based Seamount Property Development.

Each shop would cover 429 square metres, with 281 square metres designated for retail space. The Brae Co-op is a similar size.

Parking is also included in the planning applications.

Seamount said the shops would be operated by the Co-operative Food Group, adding that they have been designed to meet their specific requirements.

Both Sandwick and Scalloway have “sufficient population and demand to support a new store”, the property developer said.

The Sandwick Co-op would be located on land near to the junction which leads to the school and leisure centre. It would be relatively close to the existing Sandwick shop.

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In East Voe the proposed Co-op is being planned for land near to the junction with the A970.

The closest shops are the Scalloway Meat Company and the Checkout on the village’s Main Street.

A spokesperson for Co-op said: “The stores will be located to better serve the communities in Scalloway and Sandwick, making it a total of four in Shetland, in addition to those existing in Brae and Lerwick.

“The new stores will create up to 30 new jobs and will have an increased range and choice of fresh, healthy produce, bakery, ready meals and pizzas, bakery products, award-winning wines, free-from and vegan products, Fairtrade, food-to-go and everyday essentials.

“The development would be subject to planning consent and approval and would enable Co-op to develop a convenience store which would provide greatly improved access to food and other essential, every-day services, for the community.

“It is too early to confirm when works would start, subject to receiving consent.”