NORTH west-based retail and catering company Moran's has reopened its stores in Derry and Coleraine after completing the first phase of a £2 million investment and regeneration programme which has led to the creation of 40 full- and part-time jobs.
Following a cash injection of £1.6m, backed by Ulster Bank, Moran’s Centra and service station on the Strand Road in Derry was demolished and rebuilt, increasing its retail space to 3,500 sq ft, upping its forecourt capacity and introducing 36 customer parking facilities.
Moran’s Centra in Coleraine has also reopened following a £400,000 injection to enhance its retail and food-to-go offering. The investment included growing the store’s hot and cold food-to-go ranges and deli counter, and upgrades to its forecourt and car wash facilities.
The third store in the company’s portfolio, Moran’s SuperValu in Ballykelly, is set to complete early next year as the final phase of the redevelopment gets under way.
A £350,000 investment will see the creation of five more full and part-time jobs, refresh the in-store deli and butchery counters and revitalise its forecourt.
The family business was founded in 1983 by John and Donna Moran. They opened their current store at Strand Road in 1996, Moran’s Coleraine followed in 2002 and then came the Ballykelly store in 2004, with the retail division currently trading under the SuperValu and Centra brands.
Managing director John Moran said: “We’re delighted to reopen our Strand Road and Coleraine stores to their local communities again.
“The redevelopment of our three stores represents the single biggest investment in Moran’s since we started the company over 35 years ago.
“We’re creating stores that are equipped for the future of retail, with greater focus on digital technologies, high-quality food-to-go ranges, fresh food counters and more."
He added: “In-store investments and forecourt upgrades have been commissioned with our customers in mind at every stage. Our Coleraine and Strand Road stores now boast outstanding in-store offering, enhancements to existing services, significantly improved access and fresh, modern facilities.”
Ciaran McLaughlin, senior relationship manager of commercial banking NI at Ulster Bank, said: “Moran’s has demonstrated a clear commitment to communities by reinvesting in its retail operations across the north west, and we are pleased to support John and the company to do this and with it create new employment opportunities.
“Independent retailers play a huge role in the local economy and throughout its history Moran’s has continually invested in the company to enhance services and explore new opportunities, such as its specialist catering division.”
