Starbucks is hoping to open a new drive-thru coffee pod and restaurant in Banbridge, Armagh I can reveal.
The world’s largest coffee house has set its sights on what is described as a ‘gateway’ site at the Boulevard, next to the A1 dual carriageway.
The development – which would represent a major investment and provide another local jobs boost – would be located close to the recently opened Go petrol filling station and KFC drive-thru.
An application for the new drive-thru has been placed before Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for consideration.
The application includes a total of 15 parking spaces.
The drive-thru would have a single free-standing order terminal – with a canopy over the drive-thru window – and the proposals also incorporate landscaping, lighting, bin stores and other associated siteworks.
The specific location – described at present as a “greenfield site” – is on “lands north of Cascum Link and south of A1 Belfast to Newry Roads”. It would, if approved, be built approximately 60 metres southwest of the KFC, which has an addressed at 6 Cascum Link, Banbridge.
The new development would boast floorspace in excess of 2,250 sq ft.
It would also see an average of six staff on site daily.
According to the applicant, Raspet Ltd, which has an address at the Connswater Shopping Centre in Belfast, the new development will “provide a complementary offering” to the existing KFC drive-thru and G0 filling station.
And a supporting statement says that it will not have any impact on the town centre of Banbridge.
It states: “The site is situated in close proximity to The Boulevard, and is a use that is commonly found at out-of-centre locations and retail parks throughout the Province.
“Given the nature of the proposal and the planning policy context, it is evident that the proposal will not undermine the function of Banbridge town centre, given the aforementioned confirmation from the Planning Appeals Commission that drive-thru restaurants are not considered to be town centre uses.”
The development will make use of the “newly upgraded access of Cascum Link – which currently provides access to KFC – and connects The Boulevard to the A1”.
The supporting statement, asking that permission be granted at the “earliest opportunity”, points out the benefits of allowing the drive-thru to proceed.
It adds: “This proposed drive-thru coffee pod/restaurant development represents a significant investment from the private sector and will lead to job creation during the construction phase and when operational.”
It was in 1971 that Starbucks started out when the first opened as a single unit in a market in Seattle in the United States.
It now boasts over 32,000 stores in 80 countries around the world, its website proclaiming Starbucks to be “the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world”.
In addition to its range of coffees, teas and flavoured drinks, it also serves up an impressive breakfast menu, bakery treats, sandwiches and toasties and, for the sweet-toothed, chocolate and snacks!
The application for the new drive-thru will now be advertised shortly with a decision expected in due course.
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