New Your Co-op Food store confirmed for IM Properties’ Solihull scheme

The Midcounties Co-operative will be opening a new Your Co-op Food store at IM Properties’ Blythe Valley Park (BVP) scheme in Solihull near junction 4, M42.

Located in the recently competed £7.5 million neighbourhood centre on BVP, the new 4056 sq ft store will benefit the growing residential and established business community on the mixed-use scheme.

The Your Co-op Food store will add to the range of established amenities already available, including a Virgin Active Gym, Busy Bees Nursery and Java Coffee Lounge which are already enjoyed by the existing residents and some 3,500 people employed at BVP across 25 companies including Gymshark, Lounge and Cooper Parry.

The Your Co-op Food Store is part of the Midcounties Co-operative, one of the UK’s largest consumer co-operatives, with more than 700,000 members. Customers will have the option of becoming a member of the Society, giving them access to exclusive member-only deals as well as special offers from across the Your Co-op group of businesses, which also includes Travel, Childcare, Healthcare, Utilities and Funeralcare. Members also have a say in how the Society is run, including the work it does to support local communities in partnership with local volunteers and community groups.

Rob Hemus, asset director at IM Properties said the Your Co-op Food store was a great fit for BVP: “We’ve spent a lot of time planning and thinking about our placemaking strategy at BVP to create a truly mixed-use scheme and we’re delighted have attracted a national brand.

“The Midcounties Co-operative reflects many of our values in terms of partnering with communities, local supply chains and organisations to help create more sustainable developments.

“They’re the first to sign up to our new neighbourhood centre which acts as a hub to seamlessly blend the residential and commercial elements of the park and help broaden the range of amenities on offer.

“We’re now actively seeking occupiers for the remaining units on site, possibly food and drink outlets to utilise the potential for an outdoor seating area.”

Rupert Newman, chief food retail officer, at The Midcounties Co-operative added: “We’re thrilled to be opening a brand-new store in Blythe Valley Park and know that the store will be right at the heart of the local community.  As an ethical and values-driven business, we’re committed to making a positive impact on the communities where we operate, as well as delivering the best quality products for our customers."

The new store is part of the society’s on-going investment in the future, which has already seen four new food retail stores opening this year, with a further two anticipated before the end of 2021 – a total investment of more than £3 million.

Bloor Homes and Crest Nicholson are currently on site delivering 750 homes, including a range of 1,2,3 and 4-bedroom Homes. An 80-bed care facility is also currently under construction by Macc Care Group.