A ‘HIGH profile retailer’ will be joining Christchurch town centre, a planning agent has revealed.

Fifteen months after the closure of Barclays Bank on the high street, residents are a step closer to finding out what will take over the empty site.

Plans submitted by Darryl Howells Planning Consultancy on behalf of LeMans Fifteen Ltd, to change the unit into a restaurant, were approved in September last year, but details on the restaurant were not made available to the public.

Whilst the consultancy is still unable to reveal the name of the company taking over the former bank, they have confirmed it will be occupied by a high-profile retailer.

A second application by Darryl Howells Planning Consultancy also confirms that significant changes will be made to the shop front.

Read more: Barclays to close Christchurch, Ferndown and New Milton branches

It outlines the removal of the existing shop front, making space for a new glazed shop front with access doors.

According to the planning policy and heritage statement submitted to BCP council, the proposed shop front will have no impact on the ‘bulk’ or height of the building.

It further claims that the proposed shop front will “positively contribute to the street scene”, with the glass helping to create a “naturally illuminated space” for the unit, and “freshen” its appearance.

This ‘high profile retailer’ will join several new ventures arriving in Christchurch over recent years.

While businesses elsewhere in the conurbation are being pushed to breaking point, Christchurch appears to be thriving, and welcoming even more trade.

Last month, a new wine and cicchetti bar known as Baccello was introduced to the high street.

Read more: Town with 'too many coffee shops' could get two new restaurants

Also in September, La Mamma was re-opened at a new site in the town. It followed nearly a year of closure, and a decision by three business partners to ‘re launch’ the popular Italian restaurant.

Patisserie Mark Bennett opened its doors back in August 2020, between the first and second national lockdowns, at a prime location on the corner of Christchurch’s High Street and Fountain Roundabout.

Speaking to the Daily Echo earlier this month, Christina Pengelly at Christchurch Business Improvement District described the high street as a “popular and thriving destination”.