A franchise business of Foodco, which operates small coffee shops, has opened the doors to its new store in the Pentagon Shopping Centre, Chatham. Founded in 1989, Muffin Break is a coffee shop chain selling a range of muffins, cookies, pies, quiches and cakes freshly baked in store every day, as well as a wide variety of hot and cold drinks. At the time of writing, it has 300 stores worldwide, including 57 stores across the UK, and an impressive figure of 6% growth per annum over the past 3 years. Picture Credit: Pentagon Shopping Centre The new store has opened up in a vacant unit adjacent to New Look, which was previously occupied by the Early Learning Centre and most recently women's fashion brand Roman Originals, having recently relocated to the Dockside Outlet Centre.
Ellis John, a spokesman for Foodco, informed Future Chatham that "up to 15 jobs will be created in the local area". Future Chatham is delighted with the news and welcomes Muffin Break to Chatham, adding to the retail scene of the town centre which is constantly being diversified. Established estate agency, Tower Estates, have recently listed a plot of land on Solomons Road, Chatham, on the Zoopla website with planning consent for a mixed-use development. The land is located to the rear of 247 - 253 High Street and 1 - 5 Batchelor Street, opposite the Halfords store, and is being marketed for £450,000. It is believed that the site once housed a commerical property until it was demolished a number of years ago. Currently being used as a pay and display car park, planning permission has been granted for the construction of a three-storey building comprising of ground floor commercial use with eight 1-bedroom flats above. As part of the development, a new access road and a vehicular crossover will be constructed, as well as 1.8m of boundary fencing. A paved driveway will feature three car parking spaces and a cycle storage area to the rear of the complex.
Constraints have been previously raised when the planning application was initially submitted, in regards to the amount of convenience retailing in this particular area of the town centre. Multiple comments highlight the 'negative visual interest' and the 'detrimental effect on the character and retail function' of the town centre caused by the proximity to other convenience/takeway outlets across the street. Further information about the plot of land can be viewed by visiting the Zoopla website. To view the initial plans associated with the planning application, please visit the Medway Council website. Future Chatham will continue to keep an eye out for any further updates regarding this particular development. |
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August 2023
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