A new Co-op store much delayed by the pandemic is due to finally open later this year.

The exterior of the new building in Crosby was completed late last year by local firms, but UK contractors were needed to kit-out the inside, which has led to delays for the project as a whole.

The store it is hoped will open in September but there is no firm date set and this is ’subject to change’, according to a spokesperson.

A Co-op spokesperson said: ’We [must] navigate the situation with contractors, Covid-19 and the easing of border restrictions but this month is looking hopeful for the delays to be resolved.’

Located on Peel Road in Crosby, it will be the Co-op’s first new store in the island for 15 years.

It is said to be smaller than the Ramsey outlet, but twice the size of the branch in Duke Street in Douglas.

It will have more than 30 parking spaces, and a van-operated home delivery service will be launched from the shop.

Customers will also be able to order their provisions online and then collect them from the premises.

Co-op area manager Andrew Corrie told Isle of Man Newspapers last September that UK contractors were needed to complete the inside and the company wouldn’t consider bringing people across until it was safe to do so.

He added they had completed as much of the work as they could and the entire shell had been built by local firms, but there were some specialist tasks that required UK visitors to come over.

Mr Corrie said: ’We are confident that everything is set up to have a smooth shopping experience and have minimal impact on the local community.’

This comes as the store was refused planning permission for an ATM on site.

On this subject the spokesperson added: ’The ATM application is currently being resubmitted and will hopefully be approved with no issues shortly.’