RUMOURS are swirling that fast food chain Greggs has looked at the empty shop where The Ivy was supposed to go - and the bakery expert did not deny the suggestion.
There is speculation that the company famous for its sausage rolls has been looking at the former New Look building in Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth town centre.
Vans have recently been seen parked outside the building with contractors doing work inside, including fixing leakage.
Responding to the rumours a Greggs spokesman said: “Greggs is always looking into new shop locations.
“While we are unable to confirm anything at the moment, we will share any information in due course.”
Greggs has two branches in Bournemouth town centre, including one in Old Christchurch Road and another in Commercial Road.
The Echo reported earlier this week that The Ivy is believed to have pulled out of opening a restaurant in the town centre.
A source told the paper the directors decided the town centre “did not align to their brand”.
The Echo has contacted The Ivy multiple times over two years asking if their plans to open in the town were still going ahead but have been met with no response.
Meanwhile, the building on the Square remains boarded up.
BCP Council leader Vikki Slade said the authority welcomes “high-quality brands” to the town and hopes her commitment to the town centre summit last year will lead to more businesses opening venues.
When it was reported the Ivy could come to Bournemouth, it was welcomed as an “injection of positivity” for the town centre, which had seen several big retailers and department stores close.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel