In recent years the building became vacant and fell into disrepair Plymouth & South West Co-operatve Society Ltd acquired the site in 1997, and in 1999 Stones Underhill Associates were commissioned to plan and design the conversion of the building to retail use.

The design phase involved extensive negotiations with the local authority in order to obtain Listed Building Consent and Planning Permission. An extensive refurbishment of the building by Plymouth Contractors, Ryearch Ltd has sympathetically restored this important local landmark.

The building opened as a Plymco Local Convenience Store in September 2000, the project being completed on time and within budget constraints.