Supermarket could become flats

A soon-to-close supermarket could be turned into flats for the elderly after being bought by a “mystery” developer.

St John’s Co-op store will be closing in April after 130 years and is rumoured to be transformed into a new retirement village.

Worcester councillors backed a call by St John’s councillor Richard Udall to protect the building and make sure it stays – at least partly – as a shop.

Speaking to councillors at a full meeting in the Guildhall on Tuesday, Cllr Udall said it was “essential” the supermarket was not completely converted into housing as the “dramatic loss of footfall … would damage all other retail outlets in St John’s.”

“Staff have been informed that the shop has been sold to a mystery developer to be converted into a retirement village,” he said.

“St John’s is not a geriatric conglomeration. St John’s is a living, breathing commercial community and St John’s needs shops.

Fellow St John’s councillor Matt Lamb said the announcement by Co-op was a “bitter blow” to a community already reeling from closures and job losses.

He said the supermarket was important for jobs and the community in St John’s and the “loss of income would be felt” and while a retirement village may be needed he was “concerned” by the future loss of income.

Cllr Andy Roberts said the Co-op building was “essential to the vibrancy of St John’s” and the council would do all it could to make sure it was not lost.

Supermarket staff, including some of those who have worked at the store for more than 30 years, were said to be “crushed” by the news when it was announced by bosses earlier this month.

Co-op said the decision to close its St John’s store after 130 years of trading in the area had ‘not been taken lightly’.

“This is in no way a reflection on the commitment and hard work of colleagues, who have been informed and who are being fully supported,” a statement said.

“We would like to thank the community for its support of this store over the years and, remain committed to serving our members and customers in Worcester from our stores locally and across the area.”