Norwich: Greggs expanding into former Costa in London Street

Costa in London Street, opposite Cosy Club, closed in 2021 and has remained empty ever since following its relocation to a bigger store in the same thoroughfare, into the former Jack Wills store opposite Jarrold.

The shop, a ground floor-only unit which covers 1,800sqft, then hit the market with an annual rental value of £55,000 a year - or £4,583 a month.

The former Costa branch in London Street before it relocated (Image: Roche)

Following many enquiries by businesses hoping to fill the spot, it was announced in June 2022 that the unit was under offer with chartered surveyors Roche, but the identity of the new vendor was kept firmly under wraps - other than that it is "food-related".

Then, in October, workmen were spotted readying the empty city centre unit for its new tenants.

It has now been revealed that the new tenants are neighbours, bakery giant Greggs, which already operates from a store next door.

Adrian Fennel, partner at Roche Chartered Surveyors - which is handling the rental of the unit - confirmed that the chain will be expanding into the vacant premises, but could not reveal any further details about the opening of the store.

Adrian Fennell, partner at Roche Chartered Surveyors (Image: Roche)

Greggs has been approached for comment.

The bakery empire already has a number of stores in the Norwich area, including in St Stephens Street - opposite Chantry Place - Anglia Square, Harford Place in Tuckswood, off Fifers Lane and in Colman Road, near Eaton Park.

Before Christmas, Greggs also expanded by moving from its White Lion Street store next to an entrance to Castle Quarter to a larger unit opposite - the former Game store - to become the county's largest Greggs store.