Update over new Midcounties Co-Operative at Mariners Arms Berkeley

Work has finally started at the old Mariners Arms to turn the grade II listed pub into a new Co-op with an apartment above. 

The new larger Co-op store will eventually allow the retailer to expand and move out of its current smaller shop in Salter Street. 

Construction has been delayed over the last three years.

A spokesperson for The Midcounties Co-operative said: "Construction of the site has begun and we look forward to welcoming customers once all works are complete. 

“This is part of our ongoing investment in the local area to better serve and support the community by providing convenience, quality choice, as well as opportunities to do good together."

Midcounties Co-Operative first applied to Stroud District Council in July 2020 to convert the pub into a convenience store and a flat above. 

The Mariners Arms which shut in 2015 is due to be be turned into a Co-Op (Image: Google Maps)

It was later granted planning permission in January 2021 and again in August 2023, however construction was delayed.

A Co-Op spokesperson previously told the Gazette it had hoped to open the bigger shop this year with construction supposed to start last summer. 

According to planning documents, the public house has been vacant since August 2015, and was struck by fire in April 2019.

The building is set to be transformed with the old bar and window seats becoming the new store's staff areas, bakery and storage areas.

Meanwhile, the pub’s old skittle alley, toilets, kitchen, and beer store would become the shop floor.

The store is expected to bring four full-time jobs and six part-time jobs to the area and would be open daily from 7am to 10pm.

In addition, plans show that the store would have 12 customer parking spaces, as well as two further parking spaces for disabled customers. 

An artist's impression of the new Co-Op store at the old Mariners Arms (Image: Midcounties Co-Operative)