Chains set to open in town but pub could go
MHLC-13-03-13 Premer inn Mar64 General view of the Premier Inn building where new Co-operative moving in .
Strong evidence that a Co-op Food Store and a Nando’s restaurant could soon open in Leamington town centre has been revealed in recently submitted planning applications.
An application has been put forward for Co-operative Food Store signs to be put up at the former Regency Arcade beneath the recently opened Premier Inn in the Parade.
And -as we predicted - Nando’s Chickenland Ltd has applied to change the shop fronts and install signs and a menu box at empty units at the Regent Court Shopping Centre.
Welcoming the news of potential new investment in the town centre Stephanie Kerr, of Business Improvement District (BID) Leamington, said: “The retail environment is very dynamic and we need to make sure Leamington offers the right mix of strong brands and services to attract customers and increase dwell time.
“We value the support of customers who continue to shop locally as they are an essential part of ensuring the town centre thrives.
“Towns like Leamington, which are well managed and are attracting increasing numbers of visitors, are more likely to attract high quality investment, which is why it is so important that BID Leamington is supported in the renewal election this month.”
The Co-operative Food Store application includes a drawing and a photo of how the front of the former shopping arcade would look with the signs in place.
This would be the second Co-operative Food Store in Leamington.
Speculation that Nando’s will be opening a branch in Leamington began last year when the chicken restaurant chain advertised a managerial job vacancy for a branch in town.
The proposed location of the branch was later revealed to the Courier by a source with good knowledge of retail in the town.
Meanwhile a long-standing pub in the town centre could make way for a large multi-occupancy house, possibly to accommodate students.
An application has been submitted by a Mr J O’Sullivan for a change of use for the Willoughby in Augusta Place.
The plans include 18 bedrooms with en suite bathrooms over three floors, a kitchen and lounge, and a cycle shed and bin storage area in the rear courtyard.
A further development for Leamington’s town centre economy will be the opening of a new independent menswear shop Swank in Park Street next Saturday.
The shop, which is relocating from Solihull, will be holding a VIP launch event from 4pm to 8pm.
Former England and Aston Villa player Lee Hendrie will cut the ribbon at 6pm and there will be a prize draw and 15 per cent discounts.
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Weather for Leamington
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
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Temperature: 5 C to 16 C
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