Business / New Co-op shops could create 30 jobs, retailer says
NATIONAL retailer Co-op says 30 new jobs could be created from a planned £1.2 million expansion in Shetland which could see new shops built in Sandwick and East Voe in Scalloway.
As revealed by Shetland News on Monday, the retailer aims to launch new stores at Stove in Sandwick and at East Voe which would be similar in size to the Brae Co-op.
In a statement the Co-op said the shops could open in late 2022 if planning permission is secured.
“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,” a spokesperson said.
They added that the new convenience stores would offer 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,” they said.
“It is too early to confirm when works would start, subject to receiving consent.”
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.
In East Voe the proposed Co-op is being planned for land at East Voe near to the junction with the A970. The closest shops are the Scalloway Meat Company and the Checkout on the village’s Main Street.
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