New Co-op convenience store set to take over former Windsor High Street bank branch

A new convenience store is set to take over the former NatWest branch in Windsor High Street after being vacant for more than two years.

The bank closed its doors in July 2022 as more customers were using its online banking services.

The building has remained empty since then, but a new licensing application submitted to the Royal Borough means the Southern Co-op company will soon take over.

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

It also runs the Co-op in Arthur Road, Windsor, and looks set to open at the One Maidenhead development in the town centre.

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

A new 'Welcome' convenience store is looking to open at 12 High Street, Windsor, and sell a range of 'award-winning' food, drink and everyday items. 

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

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

A licensing application to sell alcohol has been submitted to the council by Ambemaa Ltd who will run the store under the retailer’s ‘Welcome’ brand.

The business is seeking to sell alcohol from 6am to 11pm from Monday to Sunday.

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

Alcohol is not the ‘intended focus’ of the business, says the application, and there is an expectation that alcohol sales will have a ‘limited impact’ on the area as people are expected to buy alcohol with other products.

You can view and comment on the application by typing reference 107254/LAPL01 into the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead's licensing portal.

The last day for representations is Friday, December 20.