Plans to turn a car showroom into a convenience store by next spring have taken a step closer.
Ipswich Borough Council has approved The East of England Co-op’s plans to turn 345 Woodbridge Road into a food store.
The new shop is set to replace the existing store at the corner of Albion Hill and Brunswick Road, with the firm considering its options for the old site.
The former Renault dealership in Woodbridge Road, Ipswich is set to become an East of England Co-Op. Picture: Google
All members of staff will be transferred to the new unit, which the company hoped would offer a larger, more modern store, host a wider range of products while also offering on-site parking.
The new site will be limited to the opening times of 7am to 11pm, Monday through Saturday and 7am to 10pm on Sundays and bank holidays.
In addition to changing the use of the building, the East of England Co-op hopes to install solar panels on the roof, offer electric vehicle charging ports and create a fenced compound.
When the plans were first announced, Doug Field, chief executive, said the Co-op was confident the new store would offer enhanced services and a fresh environment.
He added: “This new location allows us to provide an even better shopping experience for our customers, with a larger, more modern space and the convenience of on-site parking, whilst relocating all our fantastic colleagues from our nearby Brunswick Road store.
“We look forward to welcoming all our customers to the new store.”
The East of England Co-op hopes to open the new store by spring 2025.
The firm also applied for an alcohol licence for the site last month.
The building was most recently home to Bristo’s Renault dealership.
It will be the fifth new store announced this year, with others including a contentious store at Ipswich Station, Kingsfleet in Thetford, and another relocation in East Bergholt.
In September, SuffolkNews reported that plans had been submitted to turn Bristo’s Skoda showroom, also in Woodbridge Road, into a retail store.
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