Chester-le-Street SPAR reopens following two-month makeover

After two-month refurbishment, the popular SPAR store at Mendip Avenue in Chester-le-Street has reopened its doors to customers on April 4.

James Hall & Co. Ltd, SPAR UK’s primary wholesaler and distributor for the North of England, has become the new owner of the store, following the retirement of longstanding independent retailer Gary Maddison.

The extensive refit has been two months in the making, and new additions to the store include a Clayton Park Bakery hot Food To Go unit – stacked with tasty snacks and meals, James Hall & Co. said in a statement.

Besides, the store houses value refreshment options including Fanta Frozen machine, Cheeky Coffee, variety of fresh foods, branded products, beers, wines and spirits.

According to the statement, SPAR Mendip Avenue has served the community in Chester-le-Street for almost 20 years, and Gary Maddison returned to cut the ribbon to reopen the store alongside Cllr Paul Sexton. They were joined by Dominic Hall and Fiona Drummond, joint managing director and company stores director, respectively, at James Hall & Co. Ltd.

SPAR has agreed to partner with Chester-le-Street Community Centre, home to a diverse range of clubs, groups and societies in the local area. Within the store, there will also be a designated area for donating items for one of the local foodbanks operating in Chester-le-Street, the statement added.

“What a reception we had for our newly-acquired SPAR store at Mendip Avenue! With the crowds that gathered, I think it shows just how valued the store is by the local community it serves,” said Drummond.

“We have invested to secure the store’s future and improve the offer for local residents. To hear the feedback from customers on the exciting new store features and the range of products we have makes me very happy. I’m proud to call Mendip Avenue a James Hall company-owned store.”

Drummond expressed pleasure in welcoming its previous owner Gary Maddison back to support the reopening alongside Chester-le-Street South councillor Paul Sexton. “Gary served the local community with distinction for many years as a SPAR independent retailer. We wish him a long and happy retirement and we look forward to continuing to serve our customers in the manner that they are used to,” shared Drummond.