Greggs submits plans for new store 3 minute walk from 2 existing sites in Brentwood
The new store could open inside an empty shop next to the ruins of a church built 800 years ago
A new Greggs could open just a few minutes’ walk away from two of the chain’s existing stores. The new store could open inside an empty shop next to the ruins of a church built 800 years ago.
Greggs has applied to take over the former Pret a Manger store, which closed last year. The site is just yards from two existing Greggs on Brentwood High Street. It is not yet known if the existing stores would remain open or if they may relocate.
The chain already operates at 19 High Street, just a three minute walk from the proposed new store, and 68 High Street – a two minute walk from the new store in the other direction. It has a third in close-by in Shenfield.
Planning applications to Brentwood Borough Council have sought permission to install new signage and new ventilation systems. The shop is situated next to the ruins of the church dedicated to Thomas Becket built around 1221 and the Baytree Centre, which the council is looking to renovate.
A planning statement from Greggs said:
“The application site is located at 42 High Street, Brentwood, within the town centre’s primary commercial area. The property occupies a prominent position on the High Street and forms part of an established mixed-use environment comprising retail, café, restaurant, leisure and service-based uses. The surrounding area benefits from high levels of pedestrian activity and serves as a key retail and commercial destination within the borough. The premises are situated close to a range of national and independent occupiers, contributing to the vitality and economic function of Brentwood town centre.”
It adds: “The proposal will support the continued occupation and operation of a commercial unit within Brentwood Town Centre, contributing positively to the vitality and viability of the High Street. The works are associated with the ongoing use of the premises and will assist in maintaining an active commercial frontage within this established retail and leisure location.”
The shop was being eyed by chocolate store and cafe chain Hotel Chocolat which submitted plans to open a Hotel Chocolat Shop & Velvetiser Cafe in 2025 but the store has not yet materialised. Plans for the improvement of the Baytree Centre – being brought forward by Brentwood Borough Council – include a new cinema, leisure and gym venues, restaurants and cafés, flexible workspace, and improvements to the public areas around the historic ruins of the Chapel of St Thomas à Becket.
Brentwood lost a cinema in 2000 when shutters were permanently pulled down on the ABC cinema in Chapel High. The new proposals focus on the northern part of the centre, which could be transformed into a lively food, drink and leisure destination, with enhanced shopfronts and better connections between the High Street and Baytree Centre.
Part of the existing centre would be demolished to make way for the new development, and the Chapel Ruins would be protected and made more of a focal point. The council says that Brentwood is adapting to changing shopping habits along with a growing appetite for leisure. Those plans are being discussed at a meeting on September 16.