A NEW branch of Costa Coffee could open at Primark in Bournemouth town centre – just yards from one of its existing outlets.

The international chain, which boasts more than 3,000 stores across the world, has formally notified the council of its intention to convert a portion of the discount clothes retailer’s Commercial Road building.

If the borough allows the use, the Costa will be the third in the town centre and the second within a space of around 100 yards.

It will cover an area of 131.7sqm and provide space for 56 customers at the store, which opened as a Primark in 2010 at the former BHS site.

Paul Williams of Savills, who is representing the two high street brands, said the new shop will take up just 3.84 per cent of the building’s total 6,432.48sqm floor space.

“Costa operate in similar circumstances in numerous locations across the UK,” he said, explaining that the stores would share the same opening times and facilities.

“The conclusion is reached that a coffee shop use, as is proposed to be located and operated, would be ancillary to the established Primark unit.

“It is considered to constitute an incidental use in terms of both the proportion of floor space that will be utilised and the complimentary nature of the operation, similar as it is to the traditional cafe that you might expect within other large retail outlets such as department stores.

“There are no conditions controlling this type of ancillary use within the planning unit. A new planning unit will not be formed as the access to the coffee shop will be through the existing trade area and located at first floor.”

This latest proposal comes as the two businesses team up at premises across the country, with outlets of Costa already open at Primark stores in the likes of Bristol, Manchester and Newcastle.

Peter Matthews, president of the Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: “It is becoming an increasing practice for coffee shops to be installed as a footfall driver in retail establishments. Shoppers will spend more time in that unit and potentially make more impulse purchases.”