THE doors to the eagerly-anticipated Winnington Village Co-op are set to open in April.

The 2,700sq ft store in the newly-built 'village centre' in Walker Road is expected to open on Friday, April 3.

The food store has seen a £560,000 investment, creating up to 15 new jobs. Running on 100 per cent renewable energy, the store will open daily between 6am and 11pm.

It includes customer car parking, a bakery, Costa express and a free ATM alongside fresh produce, food-to-go, Fairtrade products, hot food, award-winning wines and, the Co-op’s new vegan brand, GRO.

Paul Willcox, Co-op area manager, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to make such a significant investment in Winnington – the store will have a great look and range, and we are looking forward to the chance to serve the community.

“Co-op is committed to connecting communities and making a difference locally, and our aim is to operate at the heart of local life.

Northwich Guardian:

"We want to let customers know that they can become a member of their Co-op, and they can make a difference to local causes every time they swipe their membership card when buying own branded products and services.”

Co-op members receive a 5 per cent reward on purchases of own brand products, and the retailer donates a further 1 per cent to community causes.

Last November the retailer shared £17M with more than 4,000 community groups UK-wide.

In addition, students who are TOTUM cardholders – the new name for NUS extra – can pocket a 10 per cent discount off groceries at the Co-op.

Co-op is owned by around 4.6 million active members, operating food, funeralcare, insurance, health and legal services brands.

Its new neighbours at Winnington Village's 'district centre' will include Kids Planet nursery, a community centre, Dominos and five more food and retail outlets.

Longer term, a family pub/restaurant will also be built on site.