The Connolly family’s Spar store in Tidworth, Wiltshire, has reopened following a £1m redevelopment project.

A 10-month co-investment scheme between the family and Spar distributor Appleby Westward has seen the store more than double in size to 2,100sq ft, with a sharp focus on food to go.

Among its new attractions are a Daily Deli foodservice section featuring a wide range of fresh and chilled products, Costa coffee, an extended off licence offering an extensive range of beers, wines and spirits, and a comprehensive convenience offer throughout.

“This substantial investment represents an ambitious and exciting leap forward for our Pennings Road store,” said owner Andrew Connolly.

“We are confident that we have created a convenience shopping offer that is second to none in the area and are very optimistic about the future with convenience retailing forecast to continue to grow over the next few years.”

He said the family had undertaken the development following the Army’s decision to re-base in Tidworth with the withdrawal of troops from Germany. There are currently over 1,000 additional houses being built in the town.

Customers and dignitaries from the local community attended the opening of the new store, which featured a live local radio broadcast, supplier promotions, goody bags for customers and a number of prize draws.

The official opening was carried out by Andrew’s parents Malcolm (95) and Doris (91) who first opened a shop in a dilapidated army building in one of the army camps in 1961 selling newspapers, sweets, cigarettes and other items.

Andrew said: “Times were hard when my parents started the business and it is thanks to their hard work and dedication that the foundations were laid for the successful group of Spar convenience stores we operate today in our local community.”

The family moved the business to Spar banner nine years ago and operate four stores in Ludgershall, Pewsey and Tidworth, employing 35 people.