Majestic Wine could open store in Christchurch town centre

Majestic Wine has earmarked 70 locations as part of ambitious expansion plans.

The firm already has 203 stores across the UK, but now wants to open up to ten new branches a year going forward.

It is now seeking planning permission so it can move into one of the buildings off Saxon Square.

The building is already home to a number of shops and offices, but the proposal is for a new retail unit and shop front to be formed.

If approved by BCP, the new wine shop would face towards Fountain Roundabout, and would be accessed from Milhams Street North.

The building earmarked by Majestic Wine (Image: Google Maps)

A small parking area is also included in the scheme, located east of the unit, comprising of seven spaces, and one disabled space.

Majestic Wine CEO, John Colley, said: “Majestic are committed to growing our store footprint and have pinpointed more than 70 locations across the UK where we see an opportunity to expand.

"We have identified Christchurch as one of those towns.

“We are delighted to have found a site that we believe would be a perfect fit for Majestic and are hopeful of securing the required planning and licensing permissions in the near future.

"We are excited about the prospect of bringing our market-leading proposition to Christchurch, and helping new customers enjoy the Majestic experience with our qualified experts and award-winning wines.”

In a design and access statement submitted as part of the planning application, the scheme is described as ‘in keeping’ with the surrounding area.

It adds that the layout of the proposal is “clearly led by the existing building itself” and “would not increase the built form of the site”.

The document reads: “The site does not make any positive contribution towards the townscape as it presents a blank ‘dead’ frontage towards this busy junction which is also the key arrival point at the town centre from the bypass.

“The new shop unit would provide a better sense of arrival at this gateway location to the town centre with signs of activity and vitality.”

A decision is yet to be made on the application.