Central Co-op unveils brand-new sustainable store in Hambleton

Posted by lauryn mellor | Published: 10/03/2025

Central Co-op is thrilled to announce the opening of its brand-new store in Hambleton, setting a new benchmark for sustainability and community-focused retail. This store and its four on-site residential flats introduces a groundbreaking eco-conscious design, reinforcing Central Co-op’s commitment to reducing environmental impact while providing an enhanced shopping experience.

From its very foundation, the Hambleton store has been designed with sustainability in mind. Boasting an impressive array of green innovations, the site is powered by renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind-power and air-source heat pumps. A digital display inside the store will provide real-time data on energy usage, benchmarked against a typical new store, offering transparency on its environmental footprint.

Chris Page, Property Project Delivery Manager at Central Co-op said: “Our Hambleton store represents a significant step forward in our sustainability journey. We’ve designed it with the future in mind, ensuring that every aspect of the build and operation aligns with our commitment to a greener, more responsible way of retailing.”

Examples of Central Co-op Hambleton store’s eco features include:

• Renewable energy integration: Solar panels and air-source heat pumps provide green energy for the store and four on-site residential flats, each fitted with its own solar panels and electric vehicle charging bay.
• Smart energy management: Energy Company Obligation technology tracks and optimises energy use, helping to lower emissions and reduce waste.
• Water conservation: A rainwater harvesting tank supplies water for landscaping and the in-store herb garden, which customers can pick from for free.
• Circular economy materials: Sustainable and recycled materials have been used throughout the store’s construction, signage and fixtures.
• Low-impact refrigeration: State-of-the-art CO₂ refrigeration systems lower the store’s carbon footprint.
• Enhanced insulation & air quality: Energy-efficient insulation and air quality monitoring ensure a comfortable shopping environment.

Beyond sustainability, the store offers a range of convenient amenities, including an in-store bakery, customer toilet, free water refill station, InPost locker, bike station, PayPoint and hot and cold food-to-go.

To celebrate the opening on the 7th of March, children from Hambleton Primary Academy cut the ribbon to officially declare the store open. Adding to the excitement, the first 50 customers to visit after 10am were rewarded with a golden ticket prize, with giveaways including a range of treats and the grand prize: a case of award winning Co-op Les Pioneers NV Champagne.

With cycle-friendly infrastructure and a location adjacent to a main bus route, the store is easily accessible to the local community while encouraging greener travel choices.

The opening of the Hambleton store marks an exciting milestone in Central Co-op’s mission to becoming 100% green-energy self-sufficient. By embracing forward-thinking technology and eco-conscious design, this store demonstrates how retail can thrive while respecting and protecting the environment.

From the 10th of March to 7th of April, Central Co-op is running a “Love to Shop” competition, offering 5 lucky Members the chance to win £100 to spend on their Easter shop. To enter, Members must spend £15 or more in-store three times during the competition period, the winners will be contacted by 11th April 2025.

For further details, head to the centralcoop.co.uk/ or visit socials. Details on becoming a Member can be found at Members.coop.

ENDS

For press information
Press Office
pressoffice@centralcoop.co.uk

Lauryn Mellor, PR and Media Specialist at Central Co-op
lauryn.mellor@centralcoop.co.uk
07385 048004