A prominent food store in Invergordon is in line to be replaced by a major supermarket as part of a £650,000 investment.
Food retailer Co-op has outlined plans for a new superstore on the community’s High Street, just yards away from the company’s existing shop.
The new development will offer a 35-space car park to the front of the store, accompanying a variety of other amenities, including an in-store bakery, a Costa Coffee machine, self-scan tills and a cashline.
If approved, doors to the new store are expected to open by summer 2020.
Ian Mason, Regional Acquisitions Manager for the Co-op, said the aim of the development is to create a vibrant focal point for local residents.
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He said: “The Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum, and our ambition is to ensure the store is a local hub for people living in the area.
“We also want shoppers to know that they can become a co-owner and member of their Co-op. Our members make a difference locally and simply by swiping their membership card when they shop with us, they are raising much needed funding for organisations who contribute to improving local life.”
The store will offer a wide range selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, healthy foods, meal ideas, hot food and wines to local residents.
Marie Clarke, Chair of the Invergordon Development Trust, said she couldn’t see anyone in the community objecting to the plans.
She said: “We are quite delighted to have the new supermarket. Anything that brings people into the town is good for the town. It’s been waste ground for a number of years so it’s good to see something being done with it. It’s a great step forward.
“Buses and lorries used to park on it for years. The ATS building was pulled down two to three years ago so it’s just been rubble. It’s absolutely amazing someone will be taking it on.
“It’s a welcomed development to the town. It’s badly needed and although it leaves that other building vacant, we are hoping we can attract something else into that.
“More than 2,000 cruise passengers visit the town every year, a lot of the crew like to shop in the town so it’s great to offer more facilities for them.”
