Costa Coffee has opened a brand new store in Winsford, Cheshire as the local community continues its regeneration project to bolster its economy.
This comes amid a wave of store closures across the UK which have decimated high streets, with Costa being among the brands to shut down sites.
The opening of the coffee brand's new store has also created 11 new job opportunities for local residents.
One of these roles has been filled thanks to Winsford’s Work Zone, a service dedicated to helping local people find employment opportunities.
The town is in the middle of a massive regeneration project of its town centre as part of its "journey towards being a vibrant and thriving community hub".
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Matt Harman, the regional operations director at Costa Coffee, said: “We are thrilled to bring Costa Coffee to Winsford and become a part of this wonderful community.
"Our new – and first ever store – in the town is set to create a welcoming space where people can come together, relax and enjoy quality time with friends and family over a tasty coffee and some delicious treats."
Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cheshire West and Chester Council Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, outlined what this means for the area's local economy
He added: "The opening of this Costa Coffee store marks an important milestone in the first phase of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s regeneration of Winsford Town Centre, and I am delighted to welcome Costa Coffee to Winsford.
"Costa Coffee is a great addition to the town, and will complement the existing businesses in the town centre, adding to our retail, food and drink options.
“People’s shopping habits have changed meaning modern town centres have to be about more than retail. It’s why the first phase of the regeneration of Winsford Town Centre is delivering improvements to the environment, wellbeing for visitors, connectivity and the local economy.
"Work is ongoing with the first phase of the regeneration, and it is great that the town is seeing visible progress as the Council delivers a town centre that Winsford can be proud of.”
Winsford Town Centre's ongoing regeneration, led by Cheshire Wester and Cheshire Council, is the biggest investment in the shopping area since the 1960s.
The first phase, worth £22.5million, is funded by the Council and the Government’s Future High Street Fund. It is made possible by the Council’s £21m acquisition of the site in 2018.
As part of the redevelopment, new and improved spaces for businesses are being constructed with a new 168-space car park and improvements to walking/cycling access.
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Furthermore, new open public spaces in the town centre are being created for pop-ups, events and visiting attractions.
The new Costa Coffee Drive Thru store on Dene Drive will be open from 6:30am to 7pm Monday to Friday.
On Saturdays, the location will be open 7am to 7pm and between 7am and 6pm on Sunday’s.
Customers can also order via the Costa Club app for click and collect and click and serve in-store.
