Co-op moves into newly completed store at Ancaster

Ancaster's new Co-op store is set to open in a few weeks' time and an accompanying 14 plot housing development will be completed later this year.
The new Co-op store at Ancaster, set to open in five weeks' time. EMN-160119-163257001The new Co-op store at Ancaster, set to open in five weeks' time. EMN-160119-163257001
The new Co-op store at Ancaster, set to open in five weeks' time. EMN-160119-163257001

The development will bring 15 new jobs to the area after local estate agent Pygott and Crone sold the 1.1 acre plot in a deal completed 18 months ago.

Pygott and Crone has been involved in developing the scheme on the former AC Williams garage on Ermine Street with buyers Wheatcroft Land and TPS to secure an investment of more than £2 million in the area.

Tim Downing, senior partner at Pygott and Crone, said: “The site was previously a garage and petrol station which had been left empty for two years. This new development will contribute considerably to the local economy with the introduction of a new, modern convenience store, as well as the adjacent 14 unit residential scheme.

An artisti's impression of the new housing development at Ancaster. EMN-160119-163318001An artisti's impression of the new housing development at Ancaster. EMN-160119-163318001
An artisti's impression of the new housing development at Ancaster. EMN-160119-163318001

“The housing development will comprise two and three bedroom homes with a combination of both terraced and semi-detached properties throughout. The construction of the houses will commence this year once detailed planning is approved, with first completions expected by the end of 2016.”

Mr Downing went on: “This project will be excellent for Ancaster and the surrounding area in terms of job creation and local investment. As a business, we have seen a lot of interest in national corporations looking to move into the county, seeing the benefits Lincolnshire has to offer in terms of comparatively low commercial property prices and a booming local economy.”

The Co-op has taken access to the 3,000 sq ft convenience store this week (Monday) and is due to open within five weeks.

Jamie Bunce, director at TPS, said: “This new format convenience store will add a much needed quality food offering for Ancaster and the wider area. We are developing a number of schemes across the country with the Co-op and have built up a strong and effective relationship of delivery of their new format stores similar to Ancaster.”

An artisti's impression of the new housing development at Ancaster. EMN-160119-163318001An artisti's impression of the new housing development at Ancaster. EMN-160119-163318001
An artisti's impression of the new housing development at Ancaster. EMN-160119-163318001

As the land had previously been used for a petrol station, the plot required specialist work doing including the removal of existing underground petrol and diesel tanks together with the asbestos roofs of the existing garage before the development could take place.

Mr Bunce added: “We have fully remediated the site in advance of starting construction works and have been very pleased with the positive responses and interaction with the parish council and local authority in progressing the scheme to reality.

“We look forward to working alongside Pygott and Crone, who will be marketing the residential scheme, and continuing with the good work in the country – addressing the region’s desperate need for new and good-quality housing stock.”

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