Costa Coffee wants to open up in Newport

Coffee giant Costa Coffee has made a bid to open a branch in Newport, which it says would create 10 jobs.

The chain has submitted a planning application to move into 32 High Street, which has been empty for more than five years. The move will create four full-time and six part-time jobs. The outlet would be run by Central Coffee Ltd, a West Midlands-based franchise with eight stores in the region, including Bridgnorth.

A spokesman for Central Coffee Ltd said: "We are confident that Newport's above-average demographics will make it an ideal location for Costa and were surprised at, although grateful for, the lack of quality coffee shops within the primary and secondary retail frontages.

"The introduction of Costa Coffee, with the commitment of a long-term lease and the investment of their high-quality shopfit, will send out a positive message about Newport town centre and may well attract other high-quality retailers to the primary retail frontage."

The news was today welcomed by Newport Chamber of Commerce chairman Patrick Beech.

He said: "I think it is a fantastic thing. The plans look marvellous. To have a multi-national company coming to Newport is great. I hope it encourages more big names to come into the town. It will improve the look of the high street and create new jobs."

Central Coffee Ltd said it would invest more than £200,000 into the shop to 'create a high-quality amenity for residents, workers and visitors'.

The application is for opening hours of 7.30am to 6.30pm from Monday to Saturday and 9.30am to 5pm on Sundays. The building is situated next-door to M&Co.