A NEW Caffè Nero is set to open on the site of a former Clinton Cards shop in Billericay High Street, it has been revealed. 

The Italian-influenced coffee house, has begun works to open a new store in a prime spot in the middle of the high street. 

Mass and Co, independent Chartered Surveyors and Property Consultants, have confirmed the news as they act for the developer and landlord.

Bosses say it is set to open in summer this year.

In a statement, they said: “Mass and Co are pleased to confirm that the former Clinton Cards unit in Billericay High Street has been let to Caffè Nero.

“Squires House which is positioned in the middle of the High Street has recently undergone re-development and refurbishment with the upper floors now converted from offices to residential apartments and the ground floor re-configured into three retail spaces.

“The largest unit has been leased to Caffè Nero who are now in occupation and fitting out for a summer opening.”

There are currently no Caffè Nero stores in Basildon borough, with the nearest sites in Brentwood and Southend.

Caffè Nero sells a variety of different coffees, as well as food including breakfast items, paninis, toasties, sandwiches, cakes, and other snacks.

Squires House, which is the development which Caffè Nero will be a part of, is a 1970s-style three-storey building.

It will have retail outlets on the ground floor, and has recently had the offices of the other floors converted into residential flats.

Craig Rimmer, councillor responsible for regeneration, welcomed the news that Caffè Nero is coming to the Basildon borough.  

He said: “It is very good news.

“It shows and is a sign that we have a buoyant high street in Billericay.

“It is also really good to fill another empty unit too and make sure that we are actually getting closer to fuller capacity in the area.”

Caffè Nero has been contacted for comment by the Echo.