Starbucks to reportedly open new cafe on Chippenham High Street

Property developer The Harkalm Group, which owns the former Wilko building on Chippenham High Street, said it has exchanged contracts with Starbucks for part of the premises.

The former store has been split into three units, one of which will house a Tesco Express and another for which a tenant is yet to be announced.

The smallest unit, which will front onto the River Avon, will become a Starbucks cafe, according to The Harkalm Group.

READ MORE: Tesco to open at former Wilko building in Chippenham

The former Wilko building during extensive works this year (Image: Trevor Porter)

A spokesperson said: “We are delighted to announce we recently exchanged contracts with Starbucks for a new cafe in our Chippenham High Street development.

“Starbucks’ unit will benefit from return frontage onto the River Avon, giving their customers a beautiful outlook over the River Avon.

“With Starbucks joining Tesco in our tenant line-up, we’re excited to see the building operational again, bringing life back to this part of the High Street.”

Starbucks would not confirm it had plans to open a new Chippenham High Street branch when approached for comment.

A spokesperson said: "We are always looking for new locations and opportunities to bring the Starbucks Experience to customers in the UK, but at this time we have no news to share about plans for Chippenham, Wiltshire."

Starbucks served its last coffee in Chippenham town centre in 2012 when its previous location in the town closed after five years.

Extensive works have been ongoing at the former Wilko building since February and the former occupant’s external fittings have now been removed.

The Harkalm Group has also been carrying out shell works ahead of new tenants moving into the property.

In February, planning permission was granted for the installation of a new shopfront at the side of the building facing the River Avon.

READ MORE: 'Extensive' work starts on former Wilko ahead of new store opening

The former Wilko building looks set to become home to a Tesco Express and a Starbucks (Image: Newsquest)

Charles Percival, a Harkalm Group Senior associate, previously said these plans would help “maximise” the unit and the High Street.

He said: “We wanted to make use of that corner looking out onto the river.

“It’s such a beautiful building and we want something that looks nice and maximises the High Street.”

Any potential Starbucks coffee house would sit next to a planned Tesco Express store.

Earlier this year the supermarket giant confirmed it would be relocating to the High Street and closing its Emery Gate superstore.

The final unit remains on the market, listed by estate agent Savills.