PART of an empty landmark Bridgnorth town centre building is about to be given a new lease of life as one of the latest additions to an international chain of coffee shops.
Costa Coffee confirmed this week that it is to submit a planning application to Shropshire Council to move into the former Co-op supermarket premises at Postern Gate. The building has been empty since October 2007, giving rise to much speculation about its future.
Costa scotched rumours that it was interested in the move last summer, but spokeswoman Nicola Andreasen said this week: “Costa has submitted a planning application for the site in Bridgnorth and would be delighted to open a store in the area and become part of the local community.
“However, nothing can be confirmed at this stage,” she added.
“We have now let the property to the Central Coffee Company, who hold the franchise for Costa Coffee,” said Andy Silverwood, of chartered surveyors Wright Silverwood. There was a reasonable amount of interest in the property given the dire state of the market.”
Meanwhile doubt surrounds the future of the former Woolworth store in High Street. Discount store Poundland expressed its interest earlier this year, but a spokesman said this week that the Bridgnorth site was not in its immediate plans.
“That does not mean we have ruled out the town,” he stressed.