Uttoxeter Costa Coffee Development Approved at Dove Fields
Plans have received approval to convert part of the former Frankie and Benny’s restaurant at Dove Fields Retail Park into a new Uttoxeter Costa Coffee development. This will become the third Costa Coffee location in Uttoxeter, joining existing stores on High Street and at Tesco. The new store aims to provide a popular and convenient coffee destination for local residents and visitors.
Last year, the same site gained approval to house another well-known food outlet. Part of the former restaurant was converted into a Greggs bakery, which quickly became a favourite among shoppers and workers in the area. Together, these developments highlight the growing demand for established food and beverage brands in the town and support the retail park’s continued regeneration.
Impact of Covid-19 on Frankie and Benny’s
The Restaurant Group, which owned Frankie and Benny’s, suffered heavy losses during the Covid-19 pandemic. Consequently, the company entered a voluntary arrangement with landlords and reduced costs by closing several sites across the UK. This action led to the closure of 125 locations and the loss of around 3,000 jobs nationwide. Before the pandemic lockdowns, 236 Frankie and Benny’s restaurants operated in towns and cities across the country.
Additional Development Plans on Waterloo Street, Burton
Meanwhile, new plans have been submitted for 188 and 189 Waterloo Street in Burton. The proposals involve combining these two properties into a single retail store. The development also includes constructing a two-storey, first-floor rear extension and a dropped kerb at 188-190 Waterloo Street to improve access. Mr. Raheel Fayyaz commissioned these works, and AK Innovative Design Solutions Ltd represents him in the planning process.
Supporting Local Growth and Regeneration
The Uttoxeter Costa Coffee development forms part of wider efforts to stimulate economic growth in the area by repurposing vacant or underused retail spaces. Furthermore, these changes will create new job opportunities, improve local amenities, and offer residents popular food and beverage choices. Overall, this project contributes to the ongoing regeneration of Uttoxeter and surrounding communities.
News Link: Greggs plan for old Frankie and Benny’s is submitted – Staffordshire Live (staffordshire-live.co.uk)