'Important milestone' in town's regeneration as Costa Coffee opens for business

COSTA Coffee is open for business.

The international coffeehouse chain has opened its first-ever store in Winsford, complete with drive-thru and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

Its arrival is one of the most significant developments so far as the £22.5 million council-led regeneration of the town centre starts taking shape.

Councillor Nathan Pardoe, cabinet member for inclusive economy, regeneration and digital transformation, said: “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.”

He added: “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 Costa Coffee opened for the first time on Friday (May 10) (Image: Winsford Cross Shopping Centre)

Winsford’s regeneration is the biggest investment in the town centre since the 1960s.

Funded by the council and the Government’s Future High Street Fund, the project was made possible by the council’s £21 million acquisition of the site in 2018.

Alongside units for Costa and B&M, the redevelopment will see the construction of a 168-space car park and improvements to walking and cycling access.

The town’s war memorials are also being refurbished and were recently installed at a new public square in front of the library.

Costa Coffee took over the unit last month and have given it a “modern design” with fresh artwork and gloss ceramic tiles.

The shop features both indoor and outdoor seating as well as drive-thru lanes for those on-the-go.

Its opening doesn’t only bring coffee to Winsford but 11 new jobs as well.

Matt Harman, 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. "

The Costa features both indoor and outdoor seating and a drive-thru (Image: Winsford Cross Shopping Centre)

Costa Coffee on Dene Drive will open from 6.30am to 7pm Monday to Friday, from 7am to 7pm on Saturday, and between 7am and 6pm on Sundays.