This week saw the opening of a new drive-thru Starbucks store in Alnwick. This is the first store to commence trading on the towns new Willowburn Retail Park being constructed by Northumberland Estates.
The opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the Duchess of Northumberland, the Mayor of Alnwick Lynda Wearn and Chairperson of the Alnwick Chamber of Trade Lisa Aynsley plus representatives from the store’s charity partner, HospiceCare North Northumberland. Also marking the occasion was a performance by local primary school children.
Says Anthony Cape Asset Manager at Northumberland Estates: “The opening of Starbucks, the first retailer to start trading from the new Willowburn Retail Park, is a milestone for us in delivering this exciting new development.
“The coffee chain is set to deliver 20 new jobs for the town, with more to come following the opening of the new Turnbull’s Food Hall and Marks & Spencer Food Hall. Negotiations continue on the second phase and we hope to announce additional retailers soon.
“The development appears to have cultivated a positive buzz in the town and we are confident it will become a huge asset for Alnwick by improving the retail offer, as well as the economic benefits of creating employment and increasing footfall in the local area.”
Victoria Madison, store manager, said: “We are very excited to join the Alnwick community and look forward to meeting and serving customers. We are proud to support HospiceCare North Northumberland, which is a charity close to our hearts and is the main provider of free palliative care in North Northumberland.”
