Shrewsbury retail park set for major expansion
Major national chains, including a coffee house and sandwich shop, are being lined up to open new outlets at Shrewsbury's Meole Brace Retail Park as part of expansion plans.
Three new units are to be built next to the current TK Maxx store under the plans, submitted on behalf of Coal Pension Properties. Firms such as Subway, Greggs, Costa Coffee and Caffe Nero are understood to be in discussions about taking on some of the new units.
The proposals are linked to plans to build a new supermarket on land at the retail park currently occupied by Carphone Warehouse.
The supermarket plans were approved in July 2013, with the scheme due to create around 80 jobs.
No official announcement has been made on what retailer will move into the new supermarket or when work will begin.
One of the proposed new units would be a replacement building for Carphone Warehouse, with no final decision made on who will occupy the other two stores. But talks are taking place with four retailers.
A planning statement by NJL Consulting, agents for the proposed scheme, said: "While the end occupiers are not confirmed, the client is in advanced negotiations and it is anticipated that Unit 15 will be occupied by Subway or Greggs and Unit 16 will be occupied by a coffee shop operator, either Costa Coffee or Caffe Nero."
The planning statement added: "The proposed fast food operator and coffee house will be providing a direct service to those customers who have already visited Meole Brace.
"Due to the nature of the proposed development, it is unlikely to become a trip-generating use in its own right and will draw the majority of its trade from existing visitors."
Shropshire Council planning officials are due to make a decision on whether to give the plans the go-ahead by December 6.
