Sainsbury's has opened a store at the redeveloped Coventry railway station, and in doing so has become the first retailer to open for business there.
The station is managed by Avanti West Coast, and the new store is open from 6 am to 11 pm, seven days a week. The store is known as Sainsbury's Coventry Station Local, and as well as stocking a specially selected range of products, it has a collection point for picking up products from Argos, Habitat and Tu Clothing that have been ordered online.
The station's customer experience will be further transformed in the coming months when more retail outlets are expected to open together with continued investment in the station's facilities.
During the redevelopment, Avanti West Coast worked with the Railway Heritage Trust to renovate the station's unique tiled walls and has provided an area on the stairwell for a more prominent display of the nameplate City of Coventry, which was originally carried by Coronation Class Pacific steam locomotive No. 46240.
As well as serving the thousands of rail travellers who use the busy station daily, the new retail area will also benefit office staff working in and visiting Coventry's office buildings in Friargate, including the sustainable new building at Two Friargate and the six-year-old One Friargate.
Maria McCarron, Station Manager for Avanti West Coast at Coventry station said: “Our customers are really starting to see the benefit of the new station. Easier access, improved facilities and now the start of the retail transformation with the arrival of Sainsbury's, and more shops to follow later this year.
“We're also just about to open our new Courtyard area on platform 1, offering our customers a place to relax whilst they wait for their trains.”
Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury's Property Director, said: “We're delighted to have opened a fresh, modern store as part of the redevelopment of Coventry Station and Friargate. Our station Local stores consistently prove a hit with customers, who appreciate being able to pop into Sainsbury's whenever they are passing through, and I look forward to seeing our new Coventry Station store flourish.”
Councillor Jim O'Boyle, Cabinet Member for jobs, regeneration and climate change said: “I'm really pleased to see this new store open, it will be a great asset for commuters and for local people. The new extension to the station has really made its mark and now there is good reason for everyone, not just train passengers, to pop in. I'm looking forward to the rest of the units being occupied to help give a warm Coventry welcome to everyone arriving by rail.”
Coventry railway station does look better than it was before.