Warwickshire News Mine

Heart of England Co-op is to open a food store in the village centre on the Nuneaton estate and the news comes just weeks after Boots revealed it would also be leasing a unit.

Peter Fletcher, Deputy General Manager, Food Division, said "The move into this new parade of shops is an exciting new era for the Heart of England Co-operative Society and its customers in Camp Hill.

“In line with Society policy our new store will be tailored to reduce the Society’s carbon footprint. It will be fitted with energy efficient refrigeration systems. These will have been supplied locally in our effort to reduce transportation and also to support local industry.

“The store will also be fitted with energy efficient lighting as opposed to strip lighting which generates tonnes of waste every year.

“The dramatic increase in our retail space area will allow us to stock a wider range of goods, in particular fresh foods and dairy.

“The new store will be something the Camp Hill community can be proud of.”

Max Samuel-Camps, Development Director of Camargue, who are developing the retail facilities within the new Village centre in conjunction with housing regeneration specialist Lovell, said: “To have both Boots and the Co-op choosing to commit to this new development underlines the potential of this exciting scheme.”

They expect to be open for business when the retail units in the new village centre are completed in early 2009.

Colin Ball, project director with Pride in Camp Hill (PINCH), said:

“I am delighted that Co-op will be joining Boots in the new village centre. The Co-op has a great local, regional and national reputation. 

“ We are currently now working hard to secure the future location for the Post Office in the new development.  Once that it is achieved, that really will demonstrate the viability of this new development.”

“With the efforts of the community, businesses, the borough and Warwickshire County Council, Advantage West Midlands, English Partnerships, the Housing Corporation, Housing Associations and other partners who have had an input into the village centre’s development, we are looking forward to something very special here in Camp Hill which everybody involved with can be very proud of.”

“It is very exciting to see the new Village Centre attracting national businesses such as the Coop,” says Lovell regional director Chris King.

Camargue is in discussions with several other occupiers and hopes to make announcements of further signings shortly. Details of the remaining retail units may be obtained from their agents Norton Brown of Warwick Telephone 01926 409333

The Camp Hill Village Centre is part of the Phase 2 regeneration of the Camp Hill.  This will provide a mix of new, affordable homes and shops within 14.5 acres of Camp Hill and incorporate 2.3 acres of parkland or public open space.  It is being developed by Lovell.

Already open is the Camp Hill Education, Sports and Social Centre (CHESS), which was formally opened last year for use by the whole community.  It is home to a library, a multi-purpose hall, available for a wide range of events and celebrations, a youth centre and conference and meeting facilities for community groups as well as an IT computer suite to host English and Maths and a range of other classes.

Link to WCC