A new Co-op on the grounds of a well-known former Derby pub is set to serve the suburb’s residents after the closure of two nearby stores. Central Co-op confirmed that its Chellaston and Shelton Lock stores – in Derby Road and Chellaston Road, respectively – were closing in December ahead of plans to open a larger, enhanced store on the site of the former House of Darwin pub.
A month later, the doors are finally open – with shoppers rushing to check out the new store on a frosty Friday (January 10) morning. Not only does the new store have everything you’d expect from a modern Co-op, but it also incorporates an ‘Insomnia Cafe’, giving shoppers a space to relax with a cuppa before or after hitting the aisles.
The new, larger store has the capacity to serve members and customers from the two previous Central Co-op shops and features a variety of modern and improved amenities. It will offer the COOK frozen range, an in-store bakery and hot food section, a chilled beer and wine selection, a Tango Ice Blast machine and a free water refill station.
Customers will also soon benefit from InPost lockers and EV charging points and additional services available at the store include Yodel parcel collection and drop-off, PayPoint facilities and customer Wi-Fi. During the renovation process, the Central Co-op team says it uncovered pheasant-themed wallpaper, which has now been incorporated into the store’s interior design.
Renovations included internal insulation, re-roofing, and new boundary treatments, including the construction of a front wall. The car park has been remodelled and resurfaced to provide 36 parking spaces, with new external lighting installed to improve safety and accessibility.
As part of Central Co-op’s commitment to sustainability, roof-mounted solar panels have been installed, and a ground-mounted solar farm has been created on land where unused outbuildings had stud previously. Inside the Insomnia Café, original timber frames and a chimney from the former pub have been retained as key design features, and an external café seating area has also been created to provide a welcoming environment for customers to relax and enjoy their visit.
A spokesperson for Central Co-op said: “The new Shelton Lock store is designed to be more than just a place to shop – it is a community hub where Members and the community can gather, enjoy quality food and drinks, and access essential services. With its modern design and community-focused features, the store is set to become a beloved local destination.”
Check out the gallery below for a look inside the new store: