People living in an estate on the edge of the city are demanding answers as the wait for a supermarket to open goes on.

Co-op had been due to open a store in Queen's Hills in Costessey in the autumn of 2021 as work on the unit was well under way.

Other units have moved in to the Fieldfare Way site but Co-op is still to open, despite around 5,000 people living in the estate, where nearly 2,000 homes have been built since 2006.

Norwich Evening News: With other businesses moving in, neighbours believe Coop has got cold feet With other businesses moving in, neighbours believe Coop has got cold feet (Image: Denise Bradley)

There are nearby supermarkets with both a Sainsbury's and a newly-opened Aldi in Longwater Retail Park but the Co-op would be the first on the estate.  

District councillor Gary Blundell said: “The unopened Co-op store stands as a promise of unity and shared resources within the housing estate.  

“Its potential to provide affordable goods, local products and a platform for community engagement is vital.  

READ MORE: Former Lidl site sold after bidding war between six businesses

Norwich Evening News: District Councillors Gary and Sharon Blundell have been chasing the supermarket chain District Councillors Gary and Sharon Blundell have been chasing the supermarket chain (Image: Sophie Wylie)

“Opening the Co-op not only fulfils this promise but also enriches the estate's character, fostering a sense of collective pride and sustainability the lack of information from the store does not fill residents with any hope.  

“It would be amazing to see the store up and running allowing the elderly, less mobile or those who have run out of milk the opportunity to grab what they need inside our community.”  

READ MORE: Queen's Hills developers break silence over access road row

Norwich Evening News: The store has sat empty since it's completion The store has sat empty since it's completion (Image: Denise Bradley)

However, a spokesman for Co-op said they were not able to provide any further updates.

Some people living in the area believe that the Co-op are no longer taking on the building and that other supermarkets have expressed an interest in moving in. 

The store, near Queen's Hill Primary School, is part of a bigger development made up of three other smaller units - two of which are currently filled by Think Property and Rumbles fish and chip shop - with a car park for more than 30 vehicles.

Norwich Evening News: People living in the area say that the supermarket is well overdue People living in the area say that the supermarket is well overdue (Image: Denise Bradley)