Compass opens its first post office at University of Surrey

The retail contract with the University of Surrey was awarded to Compass after a competitive tender in April. Once opened, the permanent retail unit in the new library building will turnover £25 million over the course of the 10-year contract. The university will also benefit from a guaranteed rental income and share of turnover. From April 2011, Compass' retail business will occupy and manage a 500m2 retail area in the university's new library building for students, staff and visitors. In this space, located in the heart of Stag Hill Campus, will be an Amigo convenience store, three of Compass' branded food units – Goodness Me Salad bar, TouJours freshly filled baguettes and Henry Smiths, the bakers – a pharmacy, a sub post office and dry cleaning service. While the new library facility is undergoing building work, Compass has opened a temporary retail area which will serve the university community for the next 18 to 24 months. The retail area houses Compass' first sub post office and an Amigo convenience store. James Newby from University of Surrey, said: "We are very pleased with the work that Compass has done in the temporary retail area; the team has already raised the standard and shown their understanding of the sensitivity of working in a diverse and multi-cultural environment which is typical for universities. "Compass represented the best commercial deal for the University of Surrey and although the University has contracted out the retail offering, we are able to work closely with Compass; we consider this to be a real partnership." Lynn King, from Compass Group, said: "This is a really exciting time for Retail in Compass; our retail offer is growing and expanding into more sites nationwide and the opening of our first post office is a significant landmark for the company. The ability to operate post offices helps Compass to provide a comprehensive retail package that is already proving popular with universities around the country. "We are looking forward to moving into the permanent library location at the University of Surrey and working with the University to be part of the fantastic new facility."