Redevelopment of Bromsgrove Retail Park and possible new Marks & Spencer's edges closer

As revealed by the Advertiser this week, the Co-operative Food at the Birmingham Road site will close its doors in mid-May after bosses confirmed to us they were “reluctantly” leaving.

It comes after IM Properties submitted an application to the council to redevelop the site last year, with the council confirming their application has been successful.

A council spokesman told us they were “waiting for them to implement the scheme”.

The site has had an uncertain future for a number of years, with plans for Sainsbury’s to move in with a 45,000 square foot store in 2010 coming to nothing.

With IM Properties’ plans to redevelop the existing 30,000 square feet of retail space accepted, there are thought to be five new stores heading to the site.

The company has advertised their plans to redevelop the site on their website, offering five ‘plots’ – including one which is ‘under offer’ by Marks & Spencer’s Foodhall.

A spokesman for IM Properties told the Advertiser they will release details at a further date.

Coleshill-based IM Properties is one of the largest privately owned property companies in the UK and a significant investor in the Midlands.

Blythe Valley Business Park, Mell Square Shopping Centre, Birch Coppice and The Hub are amongst its portfolio.

A spokesman for The Co-op, confirming their closure to the Advertiser on Monday, said: “I can confirm that our store in Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove, will close.

“The Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum, and while this often involves opening new stores, we sometimes have to take difficult decisions.

“The decision to close this store has been taken with reluctance, and does not reflect on the commitment and hard work of colleagues, who have been informed.

“Every effort is being made to support colleagues and help them to find alternative positions in the area.”