A GIANT coffee roasting plant will open early next year as builders get to work on the final touches.

Costa announced in 2015 that it was going to build the huge new site in Christopher Martin Road, Basildon.

The coffee shop chain, which operates more than 3,000 cafes in 30 countries, has now nearly finished building work.

Its branding can now be clearly seen on the outside of the plant - named Paradise Street - with the interior currently being fitted out.

Clive Bentley, property and commercial director for Costa, said: “There is still a lot to be done on site before we can start producing the same great tasting coffee at our new Paradise Street roastery, but we are taking great pride in building the very best facility in the world to meet increasing customer demand and to support our long-term growth.”

The site will employ about 50 people and is expected to open in the next few months.

Exact details will be revealed closer to the opening date.

The new Basildon site will have the capacity to make up to 45,000 tonnes - which could see it producing most of the 464 million cups of coffee sold in Costa branches each year.

Welcoming the opening, Andrew Buxton, Labour councillor for St Martin’s ward, said: “I think the factory opening in Basildon is really good.

“It looks really impressive from the outside and shows other companies that Costa is willing to invest in the town.”

Alan Bennett, Labour councillor for Lee Chapel North, added: “I am absolutely delighted.

“The sooner it is open the better as it meant people are being employed. More jobs in the local area can only be good.”