THE opening of new Burger King and Costa Coffee outlets in Christchurch appears to be just weeks away.

The fast-food and coffeehouse chains are opening on the new business park in Somerford Road, which has been named Christchurch Trade Park.

Southampton-based developer Hamdon Gate has brought forward the scheme for the former airfield site.

The Burger King and Costa Coffee premises, which will both offer drive-thru service, are nearing completion on the edge of the site, along Wilverley Road opposite Meteor Retail Park.

A Costa Coffee spokesperson said: “We’re delighted to confirm that a new Costa Coffee drive-thru store will open on Somerford Road, Christchurch, on Saturday, June 25, providing 12 new jobs for members of the local community.

"We hope that customers enjoy making use of the new drive-thru store, whether that is to pick-up a handcrafted Costa coffee while on-the-go or as a place to take some time out to sit back, relax and enjoy meeting up with friends and family.”

Bournemouth Echo: The Costa Coffee unitThe Costa Coffee unit

The Daily Echo has contacted Burger King for details on when it will open and no response has been received.

However, branded signage has already gone up on the unit before advertising planning permission has been obtained from BCP Council’s planning department.

Costa Coffee is going to have to go back to the local authority with a fresh plan if it is to place a branded totem sign on the site after seeing its initial application for a 10-metre high structure refused.

The trade park development is said to reflect an investment of £10million and provide 65 jobs.

Bournemouth Echo: Company branding has gone up on the Burger King unitCompany branding has gone up on the Burger King unit

Alongside the drive-thru buildings, a terrace of nine trade units has been constructed on the rear of the side, which was set to be available from this month.

The overall scheme for the site attracted objections from Christchurch Town Council and residents, who voiced fears of traffic problems in the area.

The site is of historical significance for many people in Christchurch having served as an RAF base during the Second World War when it was an airfield.

The aviation activity ended in 1966 when the control tower closed.

Industrial units remained on the site before being flattened ahead of Hamdon Gate’s development.