PLANS have been submitted to transform a former Santander bank into a coffee shop in Boscombe.

The scheme plans to convert the vacant building on Christchurch Road, which has been empty since 2019 when the bank first closed.

Esquires Coffee are looking to renovate the interior and exterior of the building, to make the site ‘appropriate’ for a coffee shop.

Plans include a replacement shopfront with awning and external seating with parasols, on the pedestrianised portion of the street. 

The ground floor of the site will be refitted as a coffee shop, and the basement will be utilised for back of house storage.

An internally lit sign as well as a graphic vinyl will showcase the front of the café, as well as branding on the planned awning.

The unit on Christchurch Road is currently 'under offer' on Rightmove and has been available for lease since February 2023. 

With a ground floor and basement with rear access, the property is listed as being suitable for numerous uses. 

The coffee shop will create four full-time jobs in the area and six part-time.

Plans are to open the site from 8am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday.

Christchurch Road, Boscombe is currently home to a number of independent and chain coffee stores.

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Esquires Coffee is a national chain, with a popular café in Bournemouth centre.

The site is highly rated on Tripadvisor, with most customers labelling the coffee shop as 'excellent.'

Visitors praise friendly staff and utilise the café for both work and leisure, with a selection of books on offer to borrow. 

Décor is described to be 'rustic' with steel barrels and rustic crockery. 

As well as coffee, the café serves smoothies, milkshakes, hot breakfast and a deli selection.

Customers highlight the varied menu, by offering vegan and vegeterian options. 

The coffee chain first opened in 1993 and now has over 50 cafes across the UK and Ireland, with seven locations ‘coming soon’.

The eco-conscious company focuses on serving organic and Fairtrade coffee that ensures coffee farmers are paid fairly.

All Esquires coffee is ethically sources and cups are both fully compostable and recyclable.