Up to 10 jobs are to be created in Largs after coffee shop giant Costa confirmed plans to open in the town this August.

A spokesperson for Costa told the News: “We are pleased to announce that we are opening a brand new store on Largs Main Street in early August, bringing 8-10 new jobs to the local area. As with all of our new store openings we will do all that we can to integrate ourselves with the local community, getting involved with events; providing the store as a meeting place and helping with fundraising.” Planning permission for the cafe at the Escape arcade has not yet been considered by North Ayrshire Council.

If approved, the cafe would be sited at the south end of the building, with a redesigned entrance and permanent outdoor seating on the wide section of pavement outside. Indicative proposals would see the cafe operate between 7am and 8pm, seven days a week.

The spokesperson said that, should the cafe get the go-ahead from planners, it would provide public spaces for local community groups, mother and baby meetings, book clubs etc, similar to other premises around the country. They added: “We also encourage our stores to help with local causes, including providing support to local charities and events, even if this is just in the form of some cakes being donated to a coffee morning.” The cafe is just one of the changes to the former Cumbraen amusements. Co-op opened their store earlier this year, while planning permission has been granted for a new Wetherspoon ‘superpub’. Plans have also been submitted for a bookmakers and a reduced amusement arcade.

The investment in the town has been welcomed by Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, whose chief executive Val Russell earlier told the News: “It is very encouraging to hear that there are a number of businesses looking at investing in the town. There are a number of leading businesses in the area which, together with the BIDS, has given Largs a strong foundation to build on and these developments, should they be approved, will be a welcome boost to further enhancing the local economy in North Ayrshire.”