Co-op is opening a considerable number of stores before the end of March, with more planned for later in the year.

12:12, Mon, Mar 9, 2026 Updated: 12:13, Mon, Mar 9, 2026

Co-op store on a UK high street

Co-op previously announced a number of new and revamped stores across the UK (Image: Getty)

A long-awaited Co-op store is one step closer to reality as construction has begun. Co-op recently announced plans to open 18 new stores in the first three months of 2026, many of which have already debuted to the delight of local residents. The supermarket chain will open more stores throughout the year, including one that has been in the works for more than a decade. The new Co-op in Hartree Drive in Kesgrave, near Ipswich in Suffolk, is taking shape.

Local media reports that the building looks like it is much closer to completion after foundations were laid all the way back in 2018. The planning permission was first granted by East Suffolk Council in 2015, so locals have been waiting a long time for the new store. It is now slated to open in late 2026, following a slew of other Co-op openings across the country.

"We’re proud to be investing in Kesgrave and creating a fresh, modern and sustainable food store designed to meet the needs of the fantastic community it will serve," said Stuart McDonald, chief property and strategy officer for the East of England Co-op.

"We look forward to welcoming customers into the new store once it’s complete and to becoming an important part of daily life in Kesgrave," he added.

Jobs at the store are expected to be advertised in the coming months. The chain is working with local contractors, Elliston, Steady & Hawes Ltd, to make the store a reality.

Kesgrave councillor Debbie McCallum said: "It can only be a good thing for Kesgrave, we have 15,500 people so it will be good for people to have different choice, it will be good for the local economy and will create jobs as well, which is great."

Co-op also has plans to open more new stores throughout 2026 after the initial Q1 wave. However, it has only confirmed the 18 new stores that it said would open in the first quarter of the year.

Ensure our latest news headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

The confirmed new Co-op stores that have/will open before the end of March 2026 are:

The day's biggest headlines in UK and World news Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

  • Ealing, London
  • Didcot, Kilburn Place, Oxfordshire
  • Eastern Green, Coventry, West Midlands
  • Cove - Fernhill Road, Hampshire
  • Totton, Southampton, Hampshire
  • Deal, Kent
  • Killearn, Main Street, Stirling
  • Farnsfield - Main Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire
  • Sidmouth, Devon
  • Straits Parade, Fishponds, Bristol
  • Saltdean - Lustrells Vale, Brighton, East Sussex
  • Westgate, Skelmersdale, Lancashire
  • Marske, High Street, North Yorkshire
  • Worle, High Street, Somerset
  • Tarbert, Argyll
  • Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire
  • Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire
  • Cuckfield - Whitemans Green, West Sussex

Kate McCrae, Co-op operations director, said: "We’re focused on creating local stores which are more than just a shop – they are a hub locally that contributes to local life and conveniently meets the needs of communities.

"Our stores have a focus on quality products and value for our members and customers, with a great range of deals and promotions on the items shoppers want to buy. I’m delighted to see our first new store of 2026 open in Oxfordshire, as we start 2026 with an active store opening programme to increase and enhance Co-op’s presence in high streets and communities all across the UK."