A NEW Co-op store covering 2,900 sq ft is set to open in Barrow this Friday.

Located on Abbey Road, the new store was created following a £670,000 investment by the retailer - creating four new jobs.

Planning permission was granted for the new food store in the grounds of The Lisdoonie in November 2019.

The hotel’s function room has been changed into the convenience store.

Craig McCullough, Co-op area manager, said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to make such a significant investment in Barrow.

"The store has a great look and feel and is better placed to serve the needs of people living and working in the town."

The store runs 100 per cent on renewable electricity and has replaced the original store one mile away on Oxford Street.

The new shop will include free parking for up to 12 vehicles, as well as electric charging points.

It will also have hot food, a bakery and a Costa Coffee Express point.

There will be a focus on fresh, healthy produce, award winning wines, ready meals and pizzas, free-from and vegan products, Fairtrade, food-to-go and everyday essentials.

Mr McCullough added: “We are committed to connecting communities and making a difference locally, and to operating at the heart of local life.

"That is why we also want customers to know that they can become a member of their Co-op, and that they can make a difference to local causes every time they swipe their Membership card when buying own branded products.”

The 12-bed hotel has been owned, managed and run by the Cook family for more than 40 years, and there are plans to retain a smaller guesthouse.

For the last 20 John Cook has been at the helm but he admitted last year that he was looking to retire.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of running the hotel. I’m privileged to have been involved," he said.

“But it’s been 40 years and I’m 65, I can’t go on forever.”

Co-op provides a funding boost locally and saves shoppers money through its re-launched membership scheme.

In addition to personalised offers and exclusive in-store deals, members are rewarded with 2p in every pound they spend on Co-op branded products added to their Membership account balance.

The retailer also shares a further two per cent with community causes - double what it had shared before.

As well as unlocking value in food stores, members are eligible for discounts across the Co-op, with savings also made on funerals, insurance policies and legal products and services.