Concerns raised after Co-op unveils plans for Chatsworth Road store

Local focus: the Co-op will move into Chatsworth Road in the autumn. Photograph: Jon Super

Tensions over a vacant premises on a popular Hackney shopping street look set to linger after the Co-op revealed it is to open a convenience store there in the autumn.

The plot at 21-23 Chatsworth Road was at the centre of a storm earlier this year when rumours of a Tesco Metro sparked a furious reaction from the local community, which is fiercely protective of its independent businesses.

But uncertainty over plans for the site can now be put to bed after the Co-op today confirmed its intention to move in.

Rob Tindale, the company’s acquisitions manager in London, said: “We’re looking forward to opening a new store on Chatsworth Road. We’re delighted to have the opportunity to provide shoppers with our wide range of award-winning food, in a store designed to be easy to use for everyone.

“The new store will also bring a funding boost for community groups through the Co-op’s recently launched membership scheme. Members receive a five per cent reward on purchases of own-branded products and services, with a further one per cent going directly to local causes to make a difference in the community.”

Two local causes already being supported by Co-op stores are Homerton’s Wayside Community Centre and Rhythms of Life International in Tower Hamlets.

Co-op bosses said the new shop, which will be open from 6am until 11pm for seven days a week, represents a £650,000 investment and will create 15 new jobs in the area.

It will feature a bakery and a cash machine, and the firm says a constant supply of locally sourced products will help maintain “a focus on fresh, healthy foods, meal ideas and essentials”.

After the angry response from locals to the Tesco rumour, landlord Lawrence Albonico is hopeful that people will be more enthused by the idea of a Co-op: “It’s a great brand – it’s ethical and it champions local suppliers. It is hard to dislike the company, so fingers crossed it won’t stir up the same emotions as Tesco did.”

But the reaction of local councillor Ian Rathbone, who founded Chatsworth Road’s much-loved Sunday market, suggests fears over the street’s future are yet to be assuaged. He said: “Whilst we cautiously welcome such a business, we are very concerned at the problems that come from frequent large lorries and vans delivering stock all day long. And we are obviously also very concerned at the threat any chain supermarket brings to smaller independent businesses.

“The huge amount of money being spent suggests that the Co-op could also make a sizable investment in the community through donating to Chatsfest each year, and supporting student makers and teenage markets at Sunday’s market.

“And whilst one per cent from the membership scheme going directly to local causes is commendable, we hope it’s not at the expense of the collapse of the main shopping street through the supermarket undercutting local shops. It may bring 15 jobs, but the street also has around 200 jobs so any loss will be felt heavily.

“We hope the Co-op will enter into dialogue with the Chatsworth Road Traders and Residents Association and us as councillors, to make a way forward which helps this great shopping street to continue to grow and thrive.”