Fire-damaged Tavistock Co-op returns with major refurb and new layout

A Tavistock store which has been closed for nearly six months after a serious fire is set to reopen on Friday following an extensive refit.

Firefighters from nine stations spent eight hours battling the blaze at the Co-op store on Market Street in June, which was caused by an electrical fault.

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Forty per cent of the property was severely damaged by fire, with the remainder of the building and first floor affected by smoke.

Co-op said the Market Street store, which supports 20 local jobs, has been “transformed” with a brand-new look and layout, along with improved back-of-shop facilities and warehousing.

Self-service tills have been installed to provide added ease and convenience, especially at busier times, and parcel collection services are also now available via Amazon.

Barbara Worth, Co-op store manager, said:

“We are very excited to be re-opening. Customers and members of the community have been telling me that they can’t wait for the store to re-open.

“We would really like to thank the community for all its support, and we are delighted to be back open, and even better than ever, with a brand-new look and layout.”

Store staff have been working at other local Co-ops, including the Brook Street store in Tavistock and the Yelverton branch, over the past six months while Market Street was closed.

Mayor of Tavistock, Steve Hipsey, will reopen the premises on Friday morning ahead of the town’s popular Dickensian Evening, a major highlight in Tavistock’s calendar.

The store will be open between 7am and 10pm daily.