Catalogue of factors blamed for years of delays to long-awaited Co-op branch coming to Westcliffe Buildings in Barton

TWO changes of builders and structural concerns are among factors blamed for continued delays to Barton’s long-awaited new Co-op store.

Villagers have become increasingly frustrated while waiting for the promised branch to open at Westcliffe Buildings, three years after the project began.

New Forest District Council gave the go-ahead to merge three units within the landmark building at Sea Road’s junction with Seaward Avenue in January 2018.

But development did not commence until July 2020 after original contractor Herbert H Drew & Son went into administration.

New Milton deputy mayor Cllr Keith Craze, who has followed the project over the years, told the A&T another change of contractor came when a “major health scenario” forced a manager’s retirement.

Numerous wrangles over procedure and legal matters also caused hold-ups.

One instance, as reported in the A&T, involved Hampshire County Council waiting for the developer to enter into a legal agreement to deliver approved associated road improvements.

These included amending the existing 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 discovered the historic building’s iron structure had corroded, so a new steel structure had to be installed to prevent collapse.

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

One concerned local said: “To have this shop would for us Barton residents be very handy to have, but six years of promises and nothing happening is bordering on scandalous.”

A villager himself, Cllr Craze recalled the desire for a new store dated back to 2016’s retirement of the post master at Westcliffe Buildings’ former post office.

The facility subsequently found a new home at Barton Mews in Cliff Terrace.

Cllr Craze now hopes the new Co-op will be able to open by the end of the year.

“I understand the frustrations involved in the lengthy delays in getting a retail unit into Westcliffe Buildings,” he said.

“I’m pleased to say that matters are now moving forward and we are now awaiting contractors to get the go-ahead for the internal shop fitting to commence.”

A Co-op spokesperson stressed the chain does not own the site and is not involved in the building works, saying these were in the developer’s hands.

“Co-op intends to lease the completed building, however is unable to confirm an opening date for the store at this time,” they said.

Devoid of businesses since 2016, Westcliffe Buildings, which dates back to the 1930s, previously hosted a grocers/off-licence and a hair salon alongside the post office.

The Co-op’s planned opening there currently comes eight years after its branch shut down in Station Road, New Milton. Marks & Spencer Food opened at that site in April 2022.