THE Co-op has announced it will open a new supermarket on the site of a former Crystal Palace supporters' pub.
The ground floor of the Selhurst Arms pub, in Selhurst Road, will be converted into a supermarket while the floors above will become flats.
A spokeswoman for the Co-op said it had agreed a deal to open the store, which will create around 20 jobs. It is expected to open at some point during the summer, although the company said this was subject to change.
The pub becomes the latest in a long line of Croydon pubs which that been turned into convenience stores or supermarkets.
Tim Godfrey, Labour councillor for Selhurst, welcomed the news and said it would be a boost to ward.
"It will really fill a hole in the area," he told the Advertiser.
"The whole of Selhurst has been neglected in recent years and this should provide a bigger offer to residents.
"The old pub was dreadful and had lots of trouble so it's not really a shame it has gone. It was also an eyesore."
The Selhurst Arms, which has been shut and boarded up since 2008, was previously owned by Danny Foley, now the landlord of The White Horse pub across the road.
When the Advertiser revealed the pub would become a Co-op in January, Mr Foley said: "This is sad indeed. Still I may win the EuroMillions and buy it!"
Mr Foley had to leave the pub because of the recession, but said at the time in his "heart of hearts" he would rather still be at the Selhurst Arms.
Dawn Harris, regional acquisitions manager for the Co-operative Food, said: "The investment will bring a bright, modern store with an extensive fresh produce range and excellent customer service.
"It will ensure a pleasant shopping experience, and people will be able to enjoy picking up delicious food conveniently."
Milan Babic Architects has designed the residential development above the new store for Golfrate Property Management.
It will include three flats upstairs and two new-build houses behind the pub.
