Hartnell Taylor Cook extends Co-op management deal

Co-operative Group has extended its property management contract with Hartnell Taylor Cook for five years. Under the agreement, Hartnell will oversee and expand its portfolio of Co-op assets under management to 300. Hartnell has handled the Co-op’s non-trading assets in south-west England since 2012 and will now manage sites across a wider area including Wales, the south-west, and south-east of England. The move follows Co-op’s plans to open 75 new stores and refurbish 80 existing ones in 2025, reinforcing its focus on convenience and community services. Hartnell will continue to manage the Co-op’s non-operational property portfolio, offering full asset and property management services. This includes overseeing sub-let assets, debt recovery, service charge and insurance consultancy, and managing maintenance works. The firm will also continue to handle supplier relationships and vacant property strategies to keep Co-op’s portfolio aligned with its wider real estate goals. Stuart Howell, managing partner at Hartnell Taylor Cook, said: “Over the past decade, we’ve worked closely with Co-op to manage its non-trading portfolio, and it is exciting to now extend this across a larger geographical area. “This renewal underscores the trust and collaboration between our teams, and we look forward to continuing to provide expert management services that support the Co-op’s strategic objectives.”