Midland developer Stoford Retail is building a new food store for Midlands Co-operative Society as part of the ongoing regeneration of West Bromwich.

Sandwell Council has given the go-ahead for the £2.2-million eco-friendly scheme in the Hill Top area of the town.

Work is expected to start on the scheme next February and the company is now considering tenders for building the 9,000-sq ft single-storey freehold shop which has been designed by architects 3DReid.

Carl Stacey, director of Stoford Retail, said: “We are delighted that permission has been granted to build a new Co-operative food store at Hill Top and we are now going ahead with the tendering with a view to starting work on site early in the new year.”

He added: “The store will transform a long disused site, boost the local economy, and create new jobs in a major area earmarked for regeneration.”

David Melhuish, development and facilities manager for Midlands Co-operative Society, added: “We are pleased that this project is getting off the ground and confident that Stoford Retail will deliver a quality unit on time and on budget. Once complete, the food store will provide the local community with a wide range of products for their everyday shopping needs.”

Coun Ian Jones, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for jobs and economy, said: “This is just another example of how Sandwell Council is working with various partners to revitalise and redevelop the borough.”