Maxol, Northern Ireland’s family-owned forecourt and convenience retailer, has completed a £1.5 million redevelopment of its service station in Ballyholme, Bangor that includes sustainable features to reduce energy costs by 40%.
Operated under licence by Maxol’s retail partner the Henderson Group, the Spar shop has been modernised and increased to 1,506sq ft to house a Post Office, which replaces a previous facility on the high street of the County Down town.
The refit uses LED lights throughout; a low energy CO2 refrigeration system with glazed doors; and an energy efficient air conditioning system.
The store now has a larger selection of fresh local produce, dairy and frozen foods, as well as a Barista Bar for hot drinks.
Meanwhile, the two pump island forecourt, with air water and vacuum services, has been reconfigured to create space for 12 customer parking bays, double the number before.
The development is part of a £145 million investment running until 2027 and announced by The Maxol Group in 2023 for its 124 company-owned forecourts, 33 of which are in Northern Ireland.
The Maxol Group’s chief executive Brian Donaldson says: “We are delighted to see the work to expand and modernise Maxol Ballyholme now complete. It is the latest redevelopment in our local network where we have delivered a new and sustainably designed store and created modern spacious facilities for our customers to enjoy convenience shopping for everyday grocery essentials right on their doorstep. Whether you’re popping in for a coffee on the go, a quick top up shop or something for tonight’s tea, there’s now more choice of goods and services for our customers to enjoy than ever before.”
Billy Moore, group finance director at Henderson Group, which owns the Spar franchise in Northern Ireland, adds: “Maxol Spar Ballyholme has always been a busy forecourt, serving the surrounding residential and retail neighbourhood, now even more so thanks to the completion of this renovation.
“Maxol’s partnership with Henderson Retail allows us to deliver a contemporary convenience store experience packed with everyday essentials, including a host of fresh and locally sourced products for now or later, with value and community at heart.”
