Southern Co-op convenience store looks set to open at One Maidenhead site

A Southern Co-op convenience store looks set to open at the One Maidenhead development in the town centre.

A licensing application to sell alcohol has been submitted to the council by MK & Saiji Company Limited who plan to run the store under the retailer’s ‘Welcome’ brand.

The major regeneration project, which features 429 flats and ground floor retail units, officially launched in June.

Rick de Blaby, chief executive of Get Living, delivering the scheme along with Smedvig and Hub, said at the launch event that three ‘major’ outlets would hopefully be moving into the retail units by the end of this year.

Popular Peri-Peri restaurant Nando’s has already confirmed it will be opening a venue at the One Maidenhead development in 2025.

Southern Co-op is an independent co-operative in the south of England and ‘Welcome’ is its convenience franchise business.

Plans look to seek approval for the sale of alcohol (off the premises) from Monday to Sunday from 6am to 11pm.

The application documents state the premises will sell ‘all types of convenience products’ including fresh and frozen food, household items, toiletries and newspapers.

Customers will also be able to pay their bills and collect and send packages.

The application states that alcohol is not intended to be the focal point of the business and there is an expectation that alcohol sales ‘will have a limited impact’ on the area as, on the whole, people are expected to buy alcohol with other products.

A CCTV system will operate at the premises and the store will also adopt a ‘Challenge 25’ policy.

There are currently 70 Welcome stores run by a number of franchisees.

The last day for representations is Wednesday, December 11.

Visit www.rbwm.gov.uk and enter the reference number 107253/LAPL01 on the licensing page to view the application.