The formal re-opening of the KQF Superstore took place recently.

The superstore, which KQF, based on Whalley Range, Blackburn originally acquired in 2013, has changed markedly over the last two years but some of the most important developments have taken place in the last two months.

It now encompasses a full-service Post Office and, thanks to a new partnership with SPAR, it also offers an extended range of dairy products, drinks and snacks.

Senior representatives of all three organisations accompanied the Mayor when he conducted the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Introducing the event, KQF managing director Faruk Vali thanked Cllr. Hussain and the partner organisations for attending.

He said: “All the changes that have taken place here - structural improvements, the new layout, longer opening hours and, of course, all our new products and facilities - have been introduced to provide our customers with a better, more relevant and more convenient service.

“The work has been costly and it has demanded great efforts from our staff and all our partners, but it has been absolutely worthwhile. We’ve been glad to do it because it’s a clear sign of our long term commitment to customers and to the local community.”

Speaking on behalf of the Post Office, public affairs manager Richard Hall said: “We understand how important having a Post Office is to residents in Whalley Range and I am confident that this new modern Post Office will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future.

“We wish Faruk and the team at KQF every success with the new venture.

“This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office, and marks a commitment to no more branch closure programmes.”

At the opening ceremony, SPAR was represented by Andrew Hall, managing director of the Lancashire wholesale specialist James Hall & Co. He said: “This is a wonderful example of different cultures working together to provide food and services to the whole community”

Councillor Hussain then stood alongside the three speakers to perform the ceremony itself. He wished the partners well and hoped that the venture would be a great success.

Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council expressed similar sentiments, noting that customers would enjoy added convenience from having so many services available under one roof. The event concluded with refreshments and a tour of the new-look premises, which - as a result of recent investment - feature an array of improvements such as an ATM cash-point, a new Costa Express, a re-tiled floor and an improved check-out area.

Customers who gathered to witness the opening then took the opportunity to try some of KQF’s new product lines as well as samples of new products introduced by SPAR.