SHOP bosses have unveiled plans for a new £700,000 Co-op superstore in Gourock.

The company wants to close its current outlets on Cardwell Road and Shore Street and move onto the site of the Fishertrucks business.

Under the plan the Co-op would bulldoze and clear that site to make way for the new two storey building and a car park with 20 spaces.

A Co-op spokeswoman said: "The large development will have a sales area of 4,300 sq ft and would replace the two existing stores in the town, combining them into one store with a large car park for customers and staff, a facility currently unavailable at the existing stores."

The project is subject to planning approval but Co-op say if passed it would allow them to develop a greatly improved convenience store.

The company's spokeswoman said: "Colleagues in the area will relocate to the new store and it will allow people in the area to have an increased range and choice of fresh, healthy produce, ready meals and pizzas, bakery products, award-winning wines, free-from and vegan products, Fairtrade, food-to-go and everyday essentials."

The new development means a relocation for the owners of Fishertrucks, brothers John and Neil Fisher.

They have been operating from their Cardwell Road base for the last 40 years.

John, 59, said: "We were approached by a developer and we received an offer we couldn't refuse.

"It's come at a good time.

"Lockdown hasn't helped us.

"We've stopped doing van hire, but we are focusing on repairs and sales in the future.

"We're looking for smaller premises and looking forward to a new chapter."

Planning officials are currently examining the proposal.

Co-op agents Dickie and Moore say in the planning application said:"The scale, nature and characteristics of these existing Co-op stores are such that they no longer best serve the Co-op’s customers and they suffer from a variety of constraints, compromising the satisfaction of customers and impacting on the efficient operation of the stores."

"The proposed new store will be of sufficient size to stock a wider range of convenience items than either of the existing stores, including improved range and choice of fresh fruit and vegetables, together with fresh grocery items, frozen and convenience foods, tinned and dry goods, and beers wines and spirits.

"The proposals will also provide for on-site customer parking and a dedicated delivery space.

"The proposed Co-op store will remain within walking distance and be highly accessible on foot from the surrounding residential areas that the two existing stores serve."