Supermarket giant Co-op has confirmed it will be opening a new store in south Essex tomorrow (Friday, August 20). 

The shop, in St Luke's Park, Wickford, cost around £710,000 and is creating 11 new jobs. 

It will feature self-scanning tills, a bakery and an Ever Ground coffee machine. 

Customers will be offered the typical Co-op experience, with everything from fresh produce to food to go available. 

To mark the store’s opening, the Mayor of Chelmsford, Jude Deakin, will be cutting a ribbon and the store will be hosting a mini fete with family activities, games and prizes.

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Store manager Mel Pascoe said: “We’re really excited to launch the new Co-op store in St Luke’s Park, Wickford.

"The store has a fantastic modern look and a great range of products – the team and I are very much looking forward to serving the local community.”

Aron Playford, Co-op Area Manager, added: “Co-op is committed to connecting communities and making a difference locally.

"We have worked hard to develop a store with range, choice, products and services that create a really compelling offer and help us meet the needs of customers and members in St Luke’s Park.”

The new store will be 2,056 sq ft in size and run on 100% renewable energy. 

It will be open seven days a week from 7am-10pm.