Agricultural co-operative Cornwall Farmers has started work to create a flagship store at Threemilestone Industrial Estate in Truro.
Continuing its £2.3 million investment, the farmer-owned co-operative will unveil a new Patch & Acre Country Store on October 30, the largest branch in a 12-strong network across Cornwall and Devon.
More than 1,100 litres of paint will be used as part of the £500k refurbishment, which will see the overall trading space more than double in size, increasing to just over 1,000 sq m internally and creating more than 700 sq m outside, which will be used for a new-look garden area and farm equipment displays.
Simon Birch, chief executive of Cornwall Farmers, said: “This is our most significant renovation project to date, but it’s far more than a cosmetic revamp. We wanted to create a centre for excellence and destination store for country life, equine and farming. This means enhanced products, but also new services to meet the needs of our customers.”
Six departments will be introduced in-store: farm, stable, pet, garden, country life and farmhouse. The garden zone will be expanded to create a central grounds care and garden machinery depot with big brand names including Stihl, Viking and Honda.
The farm department will offer the largest range of products in Cornwall Farmers’ store network and a dedicated farm services desk will be created within the area to better serve the needs of farmers. There will also be an extended range of products on display in the new yard area.
Cornwall Farmers employs around 200 staff and has other stores in Bideford, Dartington, Hatherleigh, Helston, Launceston, Liskeard, Otterham, Penzance, Tavistock, Kingsbridge and Wadebridge.
The investment is being part-funded through a £920k grant from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership, funded by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund.
