Costa Coffee is poised to open a branch opposite south Wimbledon Station.

The multinational chain store has submitted a planning application to Merton Council for a 28-seater cafe next on the ground floor of what is listed as the Grove Hotel in Morden Road.

Wimbledon Times:

Costa Coffee could open a branch opposite South Wimbledon Station 

Mario Jashari, who runs independent cafe Coffee Bay inside the station, fears his business will go under if Costa's application next door to the Tesco Express is approved.

Wimbledon Times:

Coffee Bay owner Mario Jashari fears his business will close if Costa moves in

He said: "It's quite serious because I have been here for almost five years, working between 60 and 70 hours a week and if Costa comes that will be it, just because of their name.

"After Tesco moved in nearly two years ago the grocery shop inside the station closed down. There's not enough space for big chains."

The make-up of south Wimbledon appears to be changing, with more independent shops such as Wimbledon Sewing Machine Company due to move out later this year.

A Tesco Express replaced the much-loved Grove Tavern opposite the station in 2013.

Do you want Costa Coffee to come to south Wimbledon?

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