Co-op has opened its largest ever university campus store at the University of Warwick, just in time for the new academic year.

The 6,500 sq ft outlet replaces the Rootes Grocery Store and is operated under franchise in partnership with the university.

The store has been designed with students in mind, offering food-to-go ranges, hot food, Costa coffee, an in-store bakery and an expanded world foods section, alongside fresh produce, ready meals and everyday essentials.

With 20 self-service tills, the most in the convenience retailer’s estate, plus manned checkouts, the shop can serve more than 1,000 customers per hour during peak lecture times. It also includes a Post Office and sells Warwick-branded merchandise.

The store carries Co-op’s ethical sourcing commitments, with 100% British meat and dairy in own-brand ranges, Fairtrade lines throughout and soft plastic recycling facilities.

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Co-op director of partnership development Martin Rogers said the site would act as “a vibrant hub” for the diverse student community.

“We’re delighted to unveil our latest Franchise partner store at Warwick, which serves as a vibrant hub offering high-quality products, great value, ethical retailing, and tailored ranges,” said Rodgers.

“Our university franchise stores are a fantastic way for us to connect with the next generation of Co-op member. Collaborating with the University of Warwick allows us to bring Co-op quality, values and membership to more young people, and to serve and support the diverse and dynamic campus community.”

The new site comes amid a slew of other store openings by the convenience giant in recent weeks. In August, Co-op partnered with EG On the Move to launch a new roadside forecourt and convenience site in Stowmarket, combining fuel, food and EV services under one roof.

Meanwhile, later in the month the grocery retailer also re-opened its Soham store in East Cambridgeshire following a £1m refurbishment that turns the site into the retailer’s first “sustainability showcase” branch.

Last week, the business revealed in its trading update that it lost £206m in group revenue due to the cyber-attacks that targeted the business in April.