As Radstock Co-operative Society enters its 150th year since it first started trading to support the local mining community, they have now announced plans for the redevelopment of the Radco site.

The existing Radco superstore store has been through several major refurbishment and extension projects during its lifetime, and is recognized by many as the as the flagship of the retail estate. Although the store has served the community well over numerous decades and has had significant investment, some have considered the site to be “well past its ‘best-before’ date.”

Don Morris, chief executive of the Society, said: “The site that is home to the Radco store is a prime location and a central, focal point for local residents, visitors to the town and commuters. We feel that our customers, members and staff deserve a better retail offering to that which is currently being provided.

“We have listened to much feedback from key stakeholders in the community regarding the future of the Radco site and I am delighted to be able to share some exciting news. We are in discussions with the local planning office regarding proposals for the redevelopment of the site which we feel would offer a much improved proposition for the local community providing a brand new, purpose-built shopping facility.

“This of course, will include a Radstock Co-op store incorporating core services such as the Travel shop and Post Office thus retaining vital facilities that many local residents rely upon.

“Although our plans are at the conceptual stage and are subject to public consultation and planning approval, we are confident that – for most residents and customers – our proposals will be welcomed, providing a much-needed improvement to the look, feel and vibrancy of the town centre, helping to generate increased footfall to the benefit of all local businesses.

“In addition, we have taken into consideration the impact on the environment when exploring options for the site and have been sympathetic to the local ecology and wildlife and the need to preserve and minimize the impact during redevelopment work.

“We wish to reassure our colleagues that we have absolutely no intention that the redevelopment work will result in any job losses. In fact, it may well create jobs for the local community by driving footfall and making maximum use of the full site.”

The submission of plans for the site marks the start of next phase in the Society’s history within the Radstock Town. It is hoped that the proposals for the site will ensure the Society is well-equipped and in a strong position to support the community for generations to come.