A MAJOR food retailer has turned a listed high street building into a store and bakery that runs entirely on renewable energy.

The Co-op is set to reopen its food store on Denbigh High Street following a £1.25million restoration and refurbishment. The programme of works at the 3,000 square foot, grade II listed building was carried out over a 20-week period as part of its plan to revamp and build new stores in Wales this year.

The work at the Denbigh store, which followed the £1m refurbishment of the Co-op in Ruthin in January, involved a professional restoration in consultation with Denbighshire County Council’s listed building officer.

Upon the reopening on Thursday, August 8, the store will be powered by renewable electricity sources including solar, hydro and wind. It will include the in-store bakery, alongside fresh, packaged, hot and frozen food and drinks, as well as a Costa coffee dispenser.

The store moved to a temporary location on the High Street while the work was being carried out.

Carl Pettersson, Co-op area manager for North Wales, said the investment ensures that the building is kept in use for decades to come. “We have had a great response to the works with some saying it has ‘enhanced the High Street’,” Mr Pettersson said. “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to make such a significant investment in Denbigh.

“We would like to thank the community for its continued support during the restoration project. The investment safeguards this wonderful old building for future generations and is a great way for us to mark the 175th anniversary year of the Co-op.”

The Co-op was awarded ‘Grocer of the Year’ at the Grocer Gold Awards held in London last month, given to retailers whose grocery sales account for at least 30 per cent of their total sales.

Mr Pettersson added: “Our ambition is for our stores to operate at the heart of local life.”

For more information about Co-op’s environmental initiatives visit its website.