A new £3m Spar UK convenience store has opened in the village of Willington and is James Hall & Co's 157th company-owned SPAR store and its 46th forecourt.
The new 279 m sq Spar and Shell-branded forecourt has created 27 jobs and transformed the Park View Garage site on the A690.
The Mayor of Greater Willington Town Council Cllr Ken Henfrey, joined Deputy Mayor Cllr Angela Smith and County Cllr Olwyn Gunn to open the store with Dominic Hall, Deputy Managing Director, and Fiona Drummond, Company Stores Director, both of James Hall & Co.
Highlight instore features include a Graham Eyes Butchers, a Clayton Park Deli, a Cheeky Coffee unit, and a Tango Ice Blast machine, as well as a range of fresh and frozen foods, food-to-go, major branded products, and beers, wines and spirits.
Fiona Drummond, Company Stores Director at James Hall & Co, shared, “We had a tremendous opening weekend in Willington and already feel like part of the village.
“Our offer in-store and on the forecourt is absolutely fantastic in terms of range and value, and the warm reception this has had by the Willington residents reflects this.”
County Cllr Olwyn Gunn, who represents Willington and Hunwick ward on Durham County Council, said, “Willington has been waiting for this for a long time. I’m delighted to see the SPAR store and Shell forecourt bring back to life the derelict garage that was previously here.
“There has been significant investment into the site, and a key aspect is the job creation for local people. It is a great asset for Willington and the surrounding area, and I’m certain it will have local support and that of passing trade.”
Fantastic entrance feature
The Mayor of Greater Willington Town Council, Cllr Ken Henfrey, added, “It’s an excellent store, and it raises the quality of the area. We’ve had the ambition to improve this gateway into Willington for some time. The Spar store and Shell forecourt are a fantastic entrance feature.
“I know Spar has been working to support local organisations in the run-up to the store opening. I hope this can be the beginning of a strong working relationship between retailer and community.'
