Fine Art student designs commemorative bench for new MediaCity Co-op
Co-op has served-up its newest convenience store in MediaCity, Salford.Co-op has served-up its newest convenience store in MediaCity, Salford.
The Manchester-based Co-op’s new 5,300 sq ft store is to be powered by 100% renewable electricity and has created 20 local jobs.
The new MediaCity store brings the number of Co-op stores in Salford to seven – including its ‘store’ in Weatherfield which, as part of a landmark partnership with ITV, sees Co-op on the cobbles of Coronation Street.
As part of activities to mark the launch of the new store, students from the University of Salford were asked to design a commemorative bench to mark the occasion, with Fine Art student India Buxton coming out on top.
On being selected, India said: “I found out about this opportunity when I was emailed the open call brief by my University (University of Salford). The concept for the bench was to be colourful so that it can appeal to all ages and be eye catching, and to promote kindness, community and equality. This is why it has two hand to symbolise Community, and friendship.”
Nancy Porter, Creative Opportunities Coordinator at the University of Salford’s School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology, said: “We have worked with the Co-op on some great opportunities which will showcase our student talent.
"Through having students perform at the launch of the new store at MediaCity and through creating a unique design for a commemorative bench in the MediaCity Gardens, it allows our students’ talents to be seen by a wide audience and feel like they are part of the Salford community.
"The opportunities not only give the students chance to engage with industry and the community, it also allows them to put their skills and talents into practice.”
Opening from 06:00-23:00 Monday-Saturday, and 11:00-17:00 on a Sunday, Co-op’s new Media City store includes a host of added services for ease, speed and convenience including: John Lewis parcel collection and return, Amazon and DPD parcel collection, Deliveroo, a free ATM, and the Click & Collect of groceries through Co-op’s own online shop – coop.co.uk/shop
A funding boost is provided locally through Co-op’s Membership programme. Membership of the Co-op unlocks additional value through in-store offers, and sees Members rewarded with 2p in every pound they spend on Co-op branded products which is added to their own personal Membership account balance. The Co-op also donates the same amount to local causes and community organisations. The store also supports and is a collection point for Salford Foodbank.
Students in MediaCity who are TOTUM cardholders – the new name for NUS extra – also receive a 10% discount at the Co-op.
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