A SOUTHAMPTON petrol station and convenience store has thrown open its doors again after being destroyed by fire last year.

The Welcome store in the Sholing area of Southampton is owned by the Lawrence family.

The business has been operating out of a temporary portable cabin since a blaze broke out in a refrigeration unit last June.

Fire and emergency services attended the fire in June. No injuries were reported however severe damages were caused to the business.

The incident left the shop owners devastated, and they had to temporarily close their doors.

However, the blaze gave the store a new beginning, and in a span of one year, the store has transformed its layout and is offering customers new products and technology.

Ben Lawrence, director of Lawrences Garages Group, said: “In March last year, we were only just coming out of another lockdown after a year that had been physically and mentally exhausting.

“The fire could have broken us, but we have turned things around with the support of our franchise partner, Southern Co-op, and have a new and improved store to show for it.”

The new store is now open and offers customers a selection of fresh food, Co-op own-label products, and electronics.

Mike Fitton, Southern Co-op’s franchise business manager, said: “The Lawrence is one of our longest-standing partners, so when we learned of the fire it felt very close to home.

“They are a true family-run business – brothers Simon, Andrew and their son Ben – so it is really heartwarming to see such an amazing store come out of such horrendous circumstances.

“Our team were only too happy to support and are very proud to see such an eye-catching outcome.”

The BP petrol station is open Monday to Friday from 6am to 10pm and Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 10pm.