A NEW SPAR shop and Shell service station on one of Darlington’s busiest main roads has opened its doors to the public on Thursday November 18.
The new 3,000 sq. ft. SPAR and Shell branded forecourt on the site of Haughton Road Service Station has been months in development after planning permission was granted in 2020.
The completely overhauled site includes six fuel pumps, a jet wash, air and water machines, a cash machine and customer parking.
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Inside the store, there is a Graham Eyes butchers counter and a Clayton Park Bakery deli.
James Hall & Co. Ltd, SPAR UK’s primary wholesaler and distributor for the North of England, is the store owner and operator, and its opening has created 38 jobs for Darlington residents.
The Mayor of Darlington, Cllr Cyndi Hughes, said: “I was delighted to be asked to cut the ribbon to officially open the fantastic new Darlington SPAR store and meet the team behind it.
"I wish Store Manager Michelle, her team, and all at James Hall & Co. Ltd every success with it.
“The significant investment SPAR has put into the site and the jobs the new store and forecourt has created is a great boost for the local economy and it shows that Darlington is open for business.”
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Local residents were keen to have a look inside.
Andy Inglis said: “I’ve lived in Darlington all of my life and this store is a godsend for the community.
"It was virtually derelict before and the redevelopment has really brightened up the area.”
Joyce said: “It’s an absolutely brilliant SPAR and I was surprised just how large it is inside.
"It has everything you could need. You can pick up your essentials, and you could do a bigger shop as well.
“The range is great, particularly the butchers, the bakery and the greeting cards.
"Of course, you can get your fuel for your car too, it is ideal for me living just around the corner.”
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Fiona Drummond, Company Stores Director at James Hall & Co. Ltd, said: “We’re incredibly excited to launch in Darlington.
"While we have a strong presence of company-owned stores in the North East and independent retailers under the SPAR symbol, we have never had a presence in central Darlington.
"This was a key attraction to our investment in the Haughton Road Service Station site.
“Our modern store really does look tremendous and its location is fantastic on one of Darlington’s main gateways, with a good mix of employers and residential customers close by.
"Michelle our Store Manager is ready to welcome in the community of Darlington to showcase our brilliant, competitively priced offer that meets the needs of the town.”
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