Photos show ongoing construction of new Co-op store in Weymouth

The former Bath Store building, based in Buxton Road, is being transformed into a Co-op, after Bath Store entered administration and closed the store in June 2019.

A spokesman for Co-op said the store will run entirely on renewable electricity and include a focus on fresh, healthy produce, ready meals and pizzas, wines, vegan products, Fairtrade items, food-to-go and, everyday essentials.

Construction of the new store is now under way, with workers on site removing walls and items from the building during the national coronavirus lockdown.

A wall has been removed from the building while the whole site has been fenced off.

While work to transform the building is continuing, Co-op has submitted a planning application to Dorset Council to install an illuminated totem and a mixture of signage at the site.

According to the plans, the new Co-op will have on-site parking with disabled parking bays, a cash machine, as well as a Costa Express machine inside the store.

An opening date for the new store has not been announced, but Co-op confirmed it will open this year.

A spokesman for Co-op added the new store would create around 15 local jobs and will be advertised on their careers website in due course.

The former Bath Store site will be transformed into a Co-op store on Buxton Road, Weymouth.

He said: “We are pleased to have an opportunity to open a new store in Weymouth, and we are very much looking forward to serving the local community, and playing our part in local life.

"The store team will work to develop the range, choice, products and services locally that will create a really compelling offer in the community.

“Co-op is committed to connecting communities and making a difference locally and customers can become a Member of the Co-op.

"In addition to unlocking additional value and personalised offers, our Members also make a difference to local causes, with Co-op now donating two per cent to community causes every time a Member swipes their Membership card when buying own-branded products.”

Gareth Dexter, Co-op’s acquisition manager, previously said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to make such a significant investment in the area to serve the community.

"We are always on the look-out for new locations where we can operate at the heart of local life and create a truly compelling offer for the community, conveniently.

“Co-op is committed to connecting communities and making a difference locally, that is why we also want customers to know that they can become a Member of their Co-op, and they can make a difference locally every time they swipe their Membership card when buying own branded products.”