A DERELICT pub in Daventry will be the site of a new Co-operative convenience store with the creation of up to 20 jobs.
The Falconer, on Ashby Road, has been shut since 2010 and has since become run down.
But now Co-op has confirmed it plans to open a new store at the site by the end of the year.
The development will see the existing building converted and extended at the 0.28 hectare site.
There will be 23 car park spaces and it is proposed the shop will be open from 7am until 10pm from Monday to Saturday and 8am until 10pm on Sundays and bank holidays.
A spokesman for The Midcounties Co-operative said: “We can confirm we are interested in bringing this former pub site back into productive use for the benefit of the community and have plans to open a convenience store later in the year.
“We are still working on our plans for the site but in general one of our convenience stores usually creates up to 20 jobs for local people.
“We are a member-owned community retailer which is keen to expand and invest in the area.”
Daventry district councillor Chris Over, portfolio holder for economy, employment and regeneration, welcomed the development.
He said: “I think this is very good news for the town and for the area in general.
“Co-op convenience stores are very popular around the district so I think this is something that will be well received.
“If it creates up to 20 jobs then that’s even better as we all know jobs are at a premium at the moment.
“The development is also on a site that has been somewhat derelict for many years so this will also help smarten up the area.
“I think this will be welcomed by the people who live in that area and there are indeed many good reasons why we should be happy about this.”