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13
May
What’s happening with Boroughbridge’s new Co-op?
Almost two years have passed since plans for a Co-op store in Boroughbridge were approved, but it’s still not known when spades will hit the ground.
In August 2024, North Yorkshire Council gave Central Co-op the go-ahead to demolish the former North Road Garage and Searles Carpets buildings and replace them with the convenience store.
The new shop will create up to 30 full-time and part-time jobs and be a significant addition to the town.
But there has been little discernible change at the site – and a start date for construction is still yet to be confirmed.
The Stray Ferret contacted the company seeking an update on the development.
We asked what work, if any, has been done, when construction will begin and when the Horsefair store could open.
A spokesperson told us:
We recognise the opportunity the Boroughbridge site represents for the local community. Planning permission remains in place, and the site continues to form part of our wider property portfolio.
Since the plans were originally approved, there have been significant changes within our organisation. In January 2026, Central Co-op (Central England Co-op) came together with Midcounties Co-operative and Chelmsford Star Co-operative to form OurCoop.
As part of this, we are currently reviewing our combined property pipeline and investment priorities across the enlarged society.
That review includes assessing the timing and sequencing of developments to ensure investment decisions are sustainable and aligned with long-term community and business needs.
The spokesperson said preparatory work had taken place, but OurCoop is “not currently in a position to confirm a start date for construction or an opening timeline” for the Boroughbridge store.
“We appreciate local interest in the site and will provide further updates as plans progress”, they added.
Site layout for Boroughbridge Co-op
Proposal
Planning documents at the time said the new store would offer a “basket shopping destination” for locals, offering a range of fresh, frozen and chilled products.
They added:
In view of the limited food retail offer within Boroughbridge town centre, it is considered that there is need to provide enhanced convenience goods retail provision within the centre to enhance its attractiveness as a local shopping destination and reduce reliance on out of centre supermarkets and stores outside Boroughbridge for day-to-day shopping needs.
To stay in keeping with other Boroughbridge buildings, plans said the applicant will “prioritise the use of brick with a pitched roof”, as well as create a “modern and inviting infrastructure” that would be recognisable as part of the Co-op brand.
Planning documents added the site currently has no car parking provision, but once redeveloped, it will offer 13 parking spaces, including one disabled bay and one EV charging spot.
The Stray Ferret will provide further updates when they become available.
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