A GIANT international coffee chain could be the next big name to set up shop in Basildon’s hotly anticipated new retail park.

A Starbucks could be built at the under-construction St Hilary's Retail Park off Miles Gray Road, according to a recently submitted planning application.

Degrees Limited, also known as 23.5 Degrees, has submitted the bid detailing plans for a Starbucks coffee shop with 96 indoors seats and 12 outdoor seats.

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The firm is one of Starbucks UK franchised business partners and operated 97 stores across the UK, including the Starbucks in Basildon’s Eastgate Shopping Centre, the Southend High Street store and the Canvey Northwick Road drive thru.

“It’s going to be a massive boost for the local economy and to see a big such as Starbucks involved among other big names suggests it will be very successful,” Fryerns Labour councillor David Kirkman said.

“I would prefer to see some independent outlets in there too, but I won’t turn my nose up at the big names, and I am sure many will be happy to see Starbuck come to this part of the town.”

He added: “Basildon has many successful retail parks, and it looks like we are set for another one which will be fantastic for the area.”

The Echo has contacted 23.5 Degrees for comment on the proposals.

In the company’s mission statement, the firm says: “We have ambitious plans for growth.

“We’re actively seeking both freehold and leasehold drive thru opportunities sitting on main arterial routes, close to major retail destinations or on large industrial estates.”

The St Hilary Retail Park will also boast a Lidl, Greggs, Tile Mountain and other stores, when completed.

The main buildings on the site appear to have been completed, with photographs of the site taken last week showing work crews are now focussed on laying the tarmac for the parking area.

The firms set to move into the site are remaining tight-lipped on any specific opening dates.

Tile Mountain previously indicated it was targeting a Spring opening, while Lidl has told the Echo it is aiming to open this summer.