Retail park looks set for a caffeine boost
Planners support bid for Costa Coffee drive-thru
Costa Coffee is a step closer to opening a new drive-thru in Paisley.
The firm looks likely to open its second branch in the town at the Phoenix Retail Park.
Bulldozers will clear the former Ashoka Cook School restaurant to make way for the cafe.
Planners signalled their support for the project in a report to Renfrewshire Council.
It stated: “The restaurant would comprise a two-storey standalone building and would extend to 300sqm.
“The site is located within the existing retail park.
“It comprises an area of car parking spaces which currently serves both the restaurant and coffee shop to the south east and KFC restaurant and drive-thru to the northwest.
“The proposal will assist in providing a balanced provision of facilities within the centre to cater for varied needs during the day and evening.
“It demonstrates good accessibility to walking, cycling and public transport routes.
“I am satisfied that the proposals are consistent with the relevant provisions of the development plan and are appropriate in all other material respects.
“It is therefore recommended that planning permission be granted subject to the conditions listed.”
Costa Coffee wants to take over the plot previous occupied by the Indian restaurant.
It has been told to supply blueprints outlining landscaping for the plot and commit to planting shrubs.
The company is the latest to announce expansion into Renfrewshire.
Starbucks has already unveiled proposals to open on Renfrew Road.
Taco Bell and Bella Italia have already announced plans to move to the Phoenix retail park.
Tim Hortons has also lined- up a move into the nearby St James’ Business Centre – the last remaining part of the Rootes car factory in Linwood.
It would be its only drive-thru branch in Europe.
The Canadian company will also open on a new development on the site of a former bowling alley on Wallneuk Road.
Dozens of jobs will be created by the outlets.
Bakery chain Greggs will also transform their shop in the Paisley Centre.
Bosses have applied to transform the takeaway into a cafe.
The shop will be renovated, with a seating area for diners.
Melanie Ward is assistant manager at independent town centre coffee shop Blend and previously insisted competition was not a bad thing.
She said: “I don’t think big chains opening here is going to make too much of a difference to us.
“We’re much more focused on the experience of coming in than the getin-get-out culture they breed.
“Starbucks started the trend of putting customers’ names on cups.
“But we’re just as interested in finding out their stories, not just what they’re called.”