Greggs to open new branch in former Bournemouth Topshop

The home of the sausage roll has applied to put its branding on the old Topshop and Topman unit in Old Christchurch Road. 

Because the shop unit is across two floors, an agent for Greggs said the ground floor will be used as the retail space but the first floor will be just for staff use. 

The application could mean there are three Greggs in Bournemouth town centre.

Work is being done on the old Topshop unit (Image: Daily Echo)

Greggs also has a branch in nearby Commercial Road and earlier this year was rumoured to have an interest in the unit where The Ivy at one point wanted to go. 

But a spokesman for the bakery could not confirm or deny the rumours, instead saying “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 been contacted for more details on its latest proposals for Bournemouth town centre but a response had not been given before going to print. 

Shoppers in Bournemouth town centre were not the most enthused by the idea of another Greggs, including 72-year-old Angela, from Bournemouth.

She said: "It's good that businesses are paying an interest in the town centre but there are far too many Greggs. 

"We need more places to shop and eat for special occasions."

The empty retail unit in Old Christchurch Road has been unoccupied since Asos bought the brands in 2021, but developers are reconfiguring the building. 

Ropemaker Properties' planning application to partly demolish the first and second floors of the building and replace it with 12 flats is still being considered. 

A design and access statement by The Harris Partnership, on behalf of the developers, said the ground floor will be split into two retail units, with the remaining space dedicated to flats.  

Future occupiers of the 12 apartments will exclusively have access to a rooftop garden and a gym.