Huge first for new-build town near Exeter

Fast growing new East Devon town Cranbrook has finally welcomed the opening of its first supermarket a year after it was initially due to be completed.

It is now more than 10 years the first residents moved into the town. The new Morrisons store is located in Elm Drive in the town centre which has been under construction since October 2022.

When work began on the town centre, it was understood that Morrisons was due to be completed by the end of 2023. In August 2023, the supermarket chain said it was not on track to open that year and said it hoped to open in spring 2024.

In January, Morrisons was quoted by East Devon District Council (EDDC) as having said it was assessing the original design and layout of the store to assess if the design ‘still reflects the needs’ of Cranbrook. After various delays, it was finally confirmed in September that the supermarket would be opening before the end of 2024.

Today, December 12, it has opened its doors for the first time. The launch day will feature a festive Christmas sleigh and visit from Father Christmas, along with carols performed by a brass band.

The supermarket has created around 100 full and part-time jobs. The new 15,600 square feet store features a mix of Morrisons own brand products and branded favourites, together with Morrisons much-loved Market Street counters including a salad bar, pizza counter and bakery.

Dan Smith, store manager at Morrisons Cranbrook, said: "We know the residents of Cranbrook have been eagerly anticipating the opening of this new store and so we are really pleased to be opening this brand new Morrisons store at the centre of the town with skilled food making at the heart of it and plenty of useful services.

"We hope customers will love the store and we look forward to welcoming them all and to Morrisons becoming a big part of the local community."

Councillor Paul Arnott, Leader of East Devon District Council, has described the opening as 'important milestone' for Cranbrook's residents which is currently home to more than 3,500 new homes.

He said: "It’s a very exciting day for the people of Cranbrook and the surrounding area. After waiting patiently for a supermarket in their town centre, I’m sure that residents will join me in being delighted to see this critical community facility now open.

"Local people will remember this important milestone for the town for many years to come. It will help to bring people into the town centre and act as a catalyst for further development. Cranbrook town centre is really starting to come to life and I can’t wait to see it unfold. Congratulations Cranbrook!"

The Cranbrook store will stock a wide selection of products that have been sourced from local suppliers including Sandford Orchards Devon Red Cider, Furniss New Wave Original Cornish Fairings, Owens Organic Coffee Gara Whole Beans, Four Elms Fruit Farm Real Devonshire Apple Juice Braeburn, Otter Vale Devon Fire Chutney, and Langage Farm Devon Clotted Cream

Key features in the store include:

• A brand new ‘when it’s gone it’s gone’ zone (WIGIGS), featuring special buy products
• Food to Go
• Flourish & Joy Florist
• Morrisons “The Best” range which offers a little bit of luxury at great prices
• A wide selection of Free From products
• Popular and useful services such as Amazon lockers and key cutting