The Co-operative Food store in Onchan is being transformed with a ?424,000 investment that will create an entirely new shopping experience for customers.

The Main Road store is being redefined, with a completely new look that will turn it into a hub for the local community, as well as a great place to pick up everything shoppers need to create inspirational meals.

The new-look store will open on Friday, 12 December, and will be the first Co-op store on the Isle of Man to be transformed to the new format.

With a focus on meal ideas, essentials and healthy, fresh foods, the state-of-the-art store will make it easy and enjoyable for shoppers to pick up all the ingredients necessary to produce fantastic meals, with ideas and tips on every aisle.

The in-store bakery has been increased, and there will be an extended range of fresh produce, ready meals and pizzas. Staff at the store are receiving additional training to enable them to provide expert advice and to help inspire customers with meal ideas.

Store Manager Stefanie Faragher said: “We’re excited about welcoming shoppers into the new store. The transformation will be amazing, and I’m sure our customers will enjoy shopping in the new environment, which will provide them with a convenient location to pick up everything they need to create inspirational and tasty meals.

“The Co-operative is a community retailer, and we are committed to playing an active role in local life, embracing the area’s community spirit. The store will be a hub for the local community, and customers will be able to find out what is going on locally, and learn about how The Co-operative can benefit local groups.”

The store also has a “community pioneer”, Lynsey Brophy, appointed as part of a new programme that sees a member of the store team with an additional remit to foster a strong involvement in community activity, from volunteering opportunities to helping develop solutions to meet local needs.

The store is currently closed to allow for refurbishment work to be carried out.