Long-awaited new Co-op branch finally set to open at landmark Westcliffe Buildings at junction of Seaward Avenue and Sea Road in Barton-on-Sea after years of delays

A long-awaited new Co-op plagued by years of delays is finally set to open at a landmark Barton building – which is up for sale for over £1.5 million.

While no exact date has yet been provided, the store chain has announced customers will be welcomed to the branch at Westcliffe Buildings in the summer.

The development has been a source of frustration for residents waiting for trade at the once-busy site, at the junction of Seaward Avenue and Sea Road, for nine years.

The art deco building, which dates back to the 1930s, has been devoid of businesses since 2016. It previously hosted a grocers/off-licence, a hair salon and a post office.

Two changes of builders and structural concerns were among factors blamed for the continued delays.

New Forest District Council gave the go-ahead to merge three units in January 2018.

But work didn’t begin until July 2020 after original contractor Herbert H Drew & Son went into administration.

Late town councillor Keith Craze, who had followed the project, told how a manager’s forced retirement over health concerns resulted in another change of contractor.

Further hold-ups resulted from procedure and legal wrangles including Hampshire County Council waiting for the developer to enter into a legal agreement to deliver road improvements.

These included revamping the parking area in front of the building, with better pedestrian and cycling facilities.

As a result, work paused for about a year from May 2021.

Developers also found the building’s iron structure had corroded, so a new steel structure had to be installed to prevent collapse.

According to Cllr Craze, contractors then had to wait around 18 months for a signed certificate from HCC giving the go-ahead for exterior resurfacing.

But a Co-op spokesperson has now told the A&T: “The opening of our new Barton-on-Sea store is on track for this summer, and we look forward to serving the local community in the near future.”

The news has been welcomed by four of New Milton Town Council’s Barton ward members, including Keith’s widow Cllr Madalaine Craze.

“I’m delighted to hear that the Co-op is finally opening as, I am sure, are the residents of Barton-on-Sea,” she said.

“It is much needed and has been a long time coming.”

Cllr Alan O’Sullivan said the positive update had come “after so many years of broken promises”.

He said: “Apart from bringing convenient shopping to local residents it will bring further employment to the area. We look forward to seeing the doors opening.”

Cllr Geoff Blunden added: “The shop has been really missed by Barton residents over the last few years. I do hope this time the opening will proceed smoothly after many disappointments in the past.”

Cllr Robert Maynard commented: “It’s fantastic news that this is come to fruition after so many setbacks. This is going to provide a much-needed convenience to so many people and I look forward to it opening.”

Westcliffe Buildings has been listed by Savills for sale as an “attractive investment opportunity”.

Inviting offers in excess of £1.5 million for the 6,314sqft site, the brochure states the ground floor and part of the first is being let to The Co-op Group Food Ltd on a 15-year agreement at £72,500 per year .

There is also one two-bedroom and one one-bedroom flat above, with an agreed total net income of £97,400 per year.

A Savills representative told the A&T the site was still for sale, but discussions were under way with interested parties.