A MODERN new Co-op store has flung open its doors to welcome shoppers and families alike as its new bakery and coffee machine is unveiled.

The shop, in St Luke’s Park, Wickford, cost about £710,000 and is creating 11 new jobs for the area.

It features self-scanning tills, a bakery and even 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, which took place on Friday, the store hosted a mini fete with family activities, games and prizes.

Read more >> Co-op set to open new store in south Essex 

Amanda Macey, from Wickford, is keen to check out the new store and have a “nosey” at what’s on offer.

The 34-year-old said: “They definitely need something like this up at St Luke’s, it’s such a big development and there are a lot of families there.

“So it’s really nice to hear they will now have something at that end of Wickford, rather than having to travel into town.

Echo: An inside look - The store at St Luke's Park

“You definitely couldn’t walk to the one there, and so having a store nearby means they can also avoid travel costs if, say, they needed to use the bus.

“We use the Co-op in town and it’s always really handy.

“It also brings work to the area, which is never a bad thing.”

The new store is 2,056 sq ft in size and will run on 100 per cent renewable energy.

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

Store manager Mel Pascoe added: “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 community.”

Chris Bladon, managing director at Countryside Eastern Home Counties – the housing estate developer for St Luke’s Park – said: “We are delighted to welcome the Co-op to St Luke’s Park and mark yet another exciting milestone at the development. We are committed to providing residents and the wider community with first class amenities, alongside the new homes we are building here, and it’s wonderful to see this thriving neighbourhood flourish.”

Wickford Park councillor David Harrison believes the store is definitely needed for such a “large development”.

He said: “This is fantastic for those living there. I’d imagine some people will take a trip into Wickford to see it.”