After months of rumours, a new Starbucks is set to open in the city centre, the Journal understands.

The popular coffee chain will move into a former bank just off the Market Square. The former Starbucks in the city centre, in Silver Street, closed in May 2020 following the first national lockdown.

Since then, the only coffee shop from the chain has been an internal fit out in the Next unit, in the Dolphin Retail Park on Southampton Road.

However, this closed on Sunday.

Read more: Starbucks closes and new Costa to open in Salisbury

Now, the Journal has been told that the chain will be taking over the vacant premises of 14 Minster Street/22 Oatmeal Row – a building with entrances on both Minster Street and the Market Place – between Naked Bagel and Allum & Sidaway jewellers.

The former banking hall, which also has first floor offices, used to host the Royal Bank of Scotland.

According to estate agents Myddelton & Major, the lease expires in June 2025.

The Journal understands that contracts have not been exchanged, but the legal documentation process is progressing fairly quickly.

Founder and owner of neighbouring business, Henderson’s Artisan Bakery, Paul Henderson, and Rory Clark, owner of Naked Bagels, have also heard about Starbucks’ move.

Mr Clark said: “Hopefully it will bring more people to the Market Square and hopefully smaller independents on Market Place and Ox Row will benefit. [The premises] has been under offer for quite a while, but I have heard it was Starbucks.”

Salisbury City Councillor Jeremy Nettle (Cons, representing Fisherton and Bemerton) said: “There are many independents in Salisbury, and there is a lot to be positive about. I don’t like all the negativity I see online.”

Costa Coffee has announced that it will be taking over the old Starbucks unit in the Southampton Road retail park. The new coffee shop is due to open in late May. More information is set to be announced soon.

Starbucks has been approached for comment but did not reply.

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