Musgrave Northern Ireland has set out plans for a £23 million investment across its store network in 2026, as the group looks to expand and modernise its convenience estate while continuing to prioritise value, local sourcing and shopper experience.
The programme, spanning its SuperValu, Centra and Mace fascias, comes alongside the launch of a flagship concept store, Centra The Barbican in Newcastle, following a £1.4 million refurbishment. The relaunch marks a significant milestone for the site, which has served the local community for more than four decades and previously traded under the SuperValu banner.
Commenting on the refurbishment, Oliver Martin, head of Musgrave Northern Ireland’s company owned stores, said: “Every element of the refurbishment has been carefully planned to reflect how people shop today – making it easier, faster and more enjoyable. And with standout food-to-go, quality meal solutions, a premium alcohol range and all the everyday essentials – value remains at the heart of the offer.”
To celebrate the launch, pupils from local primary schools who had won a colouring competition, led the ribbon cutting ceremony. Each school will also receive a £200 donation to support school funds. Shoppers enjoyed a family fun day, with food samples, cookbook giveaways from Centra brand ambassador, food blogger and BBQ specialist Jim Moore (@Only Slaggin’), prize giveaways and a live broadcast from Cool FM with presenter Pete Snodden.
Trevor Magill, managing director of Musgrave Group Northern Ireland, said the wider investment reflects a long-term strategy to grow the network while evolving the in-store offer.
“At Musgrave, we are ambitiously focused on growing our store network and continuing to innovate to provide our shoppers with what matters to them – not just excellent customer service and value for money but an extensive range of quality products with an emphasis on local alongside new technologies for a seamless shopping experience,” Magill said.
The newly revamped Centra Barbican store illustrates that strategy in practice. The outlet has been redesigned to deliver a more seamless and modern convenience experience, with an enhanced fresh food and food-to-go proposition, a premium alcohol range and more than 400 additional product lines, including a dedicated section for local suppliers.
A key feature is the “Dinner Made Easy” zone, offering meal solutions built around fresh ingredients, quality meats and ready-to-cook options. The store also includes an upgraded deli with hot and cold offerings, an in-store bakery and expanded coffee-to-go through Frank and Honest machines, alongside foodservice additions such as pizza by the slice and baked potato stations.
Technology and sustainability are also central to the concept, with self-service tills, electronic shelf-edge labels, energy-efficient lighting, upgraded refrigeration and solar panels installed as part of the refit.
Musgrave highlighted that value remains a core pillar of the Centra offer, supported by price-match initiatives, own-label savings and rotating promotional deals aimed at maintaining competitiveness in a challenging consumer environment.
The investment programme builds on a series of recent store developments, including openings and upgrades across Enniskillen, Ballybogey and Markethill.
With more than 5,000 jobs supported and partnerships with around 250 local suppliers, Musgrave Northern Ireland said the latest investment will further strengthen its role in local communities while positioning its brands for continued growth in the evolving convenience sector.