The Co-operative Group delighted with response to Portree exhibition

The Co-operative Group says the public exhibition to showcase plans for the redevelopment of the site of its Dunvegan Road food store in Portree was a success.

Over 100 people took the opportunity to study the plans, and give their feedback, during the two-day event at Portree Community Centre.

Representatives from The Co-operative Group were on hand to answer any queries and to explain the proposals, and there were questionnaires allowing visitors to give their feedback.

Initial results suggest the majority of those who completed the questionnaire were in favour of the proposals, with most agreeing the development would make a positive contribution to Portree.

“It was really good to have a chance to show local people how we’d like to develop the site to create a better store, and to get their feedback on the sort of things they’d like to see,” said Mike Stone, The Co-operative Food’s Regional Planning Manager.

“We want to improve the choice and range of shopping available on Skye, but we want to do it in a way that complements existing town centre traders. Talking to local people and getting feedback is a vital part of the process. ”

In November The Co-operative Group submitted a planning application notice, to Highland Council, for a new-look store, petrol station, improved car parking and additional shop units for both food and non food. The exhibition, open on Friday 3, and Saturday 4, February, was part of the consultation. The plans are now on display at the existing Dunvegan Road store.

The consultation continues until the end of February, and people can still submit their views, either by email to portreeretailproposals@co-operative.coop, or by using special post boxes installed at The Co-operative’s two Portree food stores, in Dunvegan Road and Bank Street, and at its outlets in Broadford and Kyle of Lochalsh.

A website has also been set up, at www.co-operativeportree.com, to keep people informed about future progress.

Additional Information:

The Co-operative Group is the UK’s largest mutual business, owned not by private shareholders but by over six million consumers.  It is the UK’s fifth biggest food retailer, the leading convenience store operator and a major financial services provider, operating The Co-operative Bank, Britannia and The Co-operative Insurance. Among its other businesses are the number one funeral services provider and Britain’s largest farming operation. As well as having clear financial and operational objectives, the Group has also set out its social and sustainability goals in its groundbreaking Ethical Plan, which specifies almost 50 commitments in these areas.

The Group operates 4,800 retail trading outlets, employs more than 106,000 people and has an annual turnover of more than £13bn.  Further information is available at www.co-operative.coop

Contact Information:

Steve Broughton      
Assistant PR Manager - Regions
The Co-operative Group
Tel: 0161 246 2760
Mobile: 07834 090 014
steve.broughton@co-operative.coop