A STORE in Wellington is set to reopen after undergoing a £745,000 makeover.

The Co-op, on Fore Street, closed on February 4 to undergo the major refurbishment, and opened is set to open its doors to the public for the first time today. (Thursday, February 16).

As well as the renovation, the store has also introduced a new membership scheme which means customers will be able to gain rewards on purchases, and donate to community groups as well.

Mark Jones, store manager for the Co-op, said: “We are delighted to have made such a significant investment in our Fore Street store, it has a great new look and we are looking forward to re-launching and serving the community.

“The Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum and our ambition is to establish the store as a local hub, a real asset for the community. It is an exciting time for the whole team.” The new-look store also sees the return of an old logo. The clover leaf design, which was first used in the 1960s, will return in order to bring Co-op closer to the community.

The first two groups to benefit will be the 1st Wellington Scout Group and the Wellington Community Centre. Groups benefit for a six-month period before a new cause is selected.

Nick Crocker, area manager for the Co-op, said: “The return to our ‘clover leaf’ design logo – first used in the 1960s – aims to re-establish the Co-op as a centre for the community, and we want shoppers to know that they can become a co-owner and member of their Co-op.

“We are also giving back to the community.” Our members have an opportunity to make a difference locally. Simply by using their membership card when they shop with us they will raise much needed funding for organisations who contribute to improving local life.”