Colchester: Greggs and KFC could replace Shoezone

Planning documents have revealed Shoezone, located in Colchester Retail Park, in Sheepen Road, will be leaving the site once its leased is finished.

The documents show the unit will be split into a restaurant and café which will be run by KFC and Greggs. 

Operational - the Shoezone in Colchester High Street (Image: Shoezone)

Colchester Retail Park is home to Starbucks, Subway, Puregym, Matalan, and a Matha Supermarket.

The planning application said: “The proposed development would ensure the long-term vitality and viability of the established retail park, responding positively to changes in the retail and leisure market.

“The application would also ensure that Unit A1 remains in occupation following the conclusion of Shoezone’s lease.”

It is also stated in the document that the unit would be split into units A1 and A1A, with the former covering a space of 187 square metres and the latter 183 square metres.

Fast food - KFC signage (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

The sites are “intended to be occupied by Greggs and KFC respectively”.

If the planning application is successful, this would be the seventh Greggs chain in the city and the fourth KFC in the area.

Castle Ward councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor thinks it is another positive sign that businesses are investing in the city.

He said: “Obviously more smaller businesses are great, the fact that Greggs and KFC are choosing to invest in that area, as there is a viable business opportunity there, is a vote of confidence in Colchester.

Store - a Greggs shopfront

“The retail park is down a little footpath access, so it’s only a short walking distance for the St Mary’s area.

“I am always slightly cautious when there are fast food chains opening rather than something high quality, I'd rather see local run shops rather than franchises but that is a personal preference.

“It is great there is continued interest in Colchester.”

Fellow councillor Mark Goacher said: "In general, I do think we need more variety of retail in the city centre, we don't want the same chains replicated all the time."

Shoezone currently has two sites in the city, one in the High Street, and the other in the retail park.

A spokesman from Buccleuch Property, the organisation which owns the park, has commented on the situation.

They said: “Buccleuch Property are delighted to be working with two popular occupiers to bring further retail and leisure amenities to this popular location."

The Gazette has contacted Shoezone, KFC, and Greggs for comment.