FIFTEEN new jobs will be created after Co-op revealed plans to open a new store on Christchurch Road.

The proposed store, which is set to open in spring on the site of the former Palm Court Hotel, will have an in-store bakery, an ATM and Costa Coffee shop.

Simon Finlay, lead acquisition manager for the Co-op, said: “We’re looking forward to opening a new store in Bournemouth. We’re delighted to have the opportunity to provide shoppers with our wide range of award-winning food, in a store designed to be easy to use for everyone.”

The store is said to bring a funding boost for Bournemouth Community groups through the Co-op’s newly launched membership scheme where one per cent of the profit goes directly to the local causes in the community.

Current local causes being supported by Co-op stores include Dorset Deaf Children’s Society, Bournemouth Blind Society and Amelia’s Rainbows.

Robert Bignold, head of new store development at the Co-op, added: “We’re committed to finding great locations for our new stores, we know people want to be able to buy high quality food near to where they live and work, in handy-sized shops that are open at convenient times. We opened 100 new stores last year and will open another 100 again this year.”