Ramsey Town Commissioners’ chairman Richard Radcliffe has welcomed Costa Coffee to the Lakeside Centre in Mooragh Park.

Mr Radcliffe said: ‘For Costa Coffee to open up a second branch in our town is a tremendous vote of confidence in Ramsey and a welcome boost to the local economy. Its Parliament Street outlet proved a runaway success from day one and I am sure Costa’s arrival in Mooragh Park will be equally well received.

‘The Lakeside Centre, with its views of the lake and the magnificently maintained gardens, combined with the children’s water play area, tennis courts and the many other attractions Mooragh Park has to offer, perfectly complements Costa Coffee’s new venture.’

Rory Dorling, operations director of franchisee Fancy a Coffee Limited said: ‘The success of our Parliament Street branch opened three and a half years ago led us to make a second significant investment in the town with this Lakeside Centre shop which enjoys a stunning setting. Throughout what’s been a two and a half month project Ramsey Town Commissioners have been fantastically supportive; the Commission’s clearly a local authority with the interests of the people of Ramsey very much at heart. In setting up this second shop we’ve created seven new jobs, as well as two more in the Parliament Street branch. We’re seeing new customers in the Lakeside Centre and are very aware of the strong sense of community that exists in the town, a community we’re pleased to be supporting.’

Mr Radcliffe continued: ‘Ramsey’s town centre and the Mooragh Park are being reimagined in response to changes in how people are choosing to shop and spend their leisure time. The Commission, in partnership with the Isle of Man Government, has invested substantially in regeneration projects and in improving facilities in the park, so it is very encouraging that such a respected international brand as Costa Coffee should choose to make this substantial commitment and expand their operation in Ramsey. On behalf of Ramsey Town Commissioners I wish the business every success.’

Photo - Ramsey Town Commissioners’ chairman Richard Radcliffe celebrates the opening of Costa Coffee’s Lakeside Centre branch with Fancy a Coffee Limited’s operations director Rory Dorling and Kasia Piotrowska and Dorin Tatar. Picture Andrew Barton.