A new multi-million pound Sainsbury’s store in Colwick opened its doors for the first time to customers this morning (November 10).
The new 53,000 sq.ft store was opened by The Mayor of Gedling Meredith Lawrence, who cut a ribbon before customers flooded in.
He was joined for the ribbon cutting by St John the Baptist Primary School pupil, Jace Pikett, who won a competition to design a limited-edition Sainsbury’s bag for life to mark the launch of the new store.
Work on the site situated off Colwick Loop Road, begin in late 2020 and continued at pace despite the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic.
The technology within the new supermarket will enable it to operate as one of Sainsbury’s most sustainable stores ever and its arrival represents a substantial boost for the local economy.
Over 150 of the store’s colleagues are new to Sainsbury’s and most of the new store team live locally in Colwick, Nottingham or the surrounding area.
Sainsbury’s Colwick contains a Specsavers store and a Starbucks Cafe, both of which opened today (10) . The opening of the Specsavers store marks the 70th branch to open inside a Sainsbury’s since the two companies entered a partnership together in 2016.
An Argos store is also situated inside the supermarket, with the superstore on Victoria Retail Park now closing its doors after relocating to the new Sainsbury’s.
Paul Wain, Sainsbury’s Colwick Store Manager, said: “My fantastic new team and I are thoroughly enjoying welcoming customers to the store for the first time today and are proud to be able to provide a wide range of high-quality products at great prices. We’re really looking forward to becoming an integral part of the community here in Colwick. ”
Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s property director said: “We’re delighted to now be able to open our doors to shoppers in Colwick. We have created over 200 jobs at the new store and are really pleased to have delivered one of our greenest supermarkets to date, ensuring it’s a supermarket that’s built for the future. The initial response to Sainsbury’s Colwick has been fantastic and I’d like to thank the local community for the support throughout the construction phase, and for the warm welcome we’ve had so far.”
Tom Randall, Member of Parliament for Gedling said: “This is a really exciting time for the Colwick community. It is especially pleasing for me to be able to welcome Sainsbury’s to the area as well as the significant investment and the new jobs created through the construction period and now within the store.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Sainsbury’s and wish the new team every success.”
Leader of Gedling Council, Councillor John Clarke said: “I’m delighted that Sainsbury’s has opened its new store to customers.
“In my role as neighbouring Netherfield ward councillor, I know this is a welcome addition to the local community and will benefit a great number of people in the local area. “
Portfolio Holder for Growth and Regeneration at Gedling Borough Council, Cllr Jenny Hollingsworth said: “The new Sainsbury’s Colwick supermarket will lead the way for future supermarkets, with a range of exciting features, which make it truly sustainable.
“The investment is a real boost to the local area and is providing a range of opportunities for local people to benefit from.”
Enjoyed my first visit to the store. Wide, spacious aisles, well stocked, friendly staff The car park was excellent, with wide spaces for some of todays larger vehicles. My only negatives – a visit to the disabled loo – no hooks for handbags or coats/clothing. In some cases coats/clothing need to be removed, and bags need to be off the floor. Fruit and vegetables – I thought there would be far less packaging. More loose goods to help yourself , possibly with a choice of paper bags available. Apart from that, excellent first impression.
My only negative point about new Sainsbury’s is the Starbucks what a shame Sainsbury’s didn’t put in their own cafe like in Arnold where you could get a meal and coffee at a reasonable price instead of expensive coffee and a packet of biscuits.I shall carry on using Arnold branch.
I was hoping it would be like the Sainsbury’s in King’s Lynn with grey water toilets and huge natural light windows which gives it a lovely feel inside. Colwick one feels like being inside a warehouse. Disappointing.