Bath shop empty for 18 months to be replaced by new 'High Street favourite'

A 'High Street favourite' will fill a shop which has stood empty for 18 months in Bath, after a planning application was approved.

Rufa Ltd has successfully applied to Bath and North East Somerset Council to change the use of the ground floor at 10 Westgate Buildings from a shop to a restaurant/cafe.

According to the application's planning documents, the cafe Creams - described on its own website as a 'High Street favourite' - will move into the ground floor of the two-storey building.

This will replace what was Maplin Electronics, which shut back in February 2018.

The old Maplin store in Bath (Image: PAUL GILLIS / paulgillisphoto.com)

A notice was put up on the shop front before it closed last year, alerting Bath customers to the departure of the store.

The company, which was one of the UK's biggest electronics retailers, collapsed into administration after talks with buyers failed to secure a sale.

But now Creams, known for its 'flamboyant desserts', will move in.

Sign announcing the closure of Maplin in Bath (Image: PAUL GILLIS / paulgillisphoto.com)

What is in store for customers with new Creams cafe in Bath?

On Creams' website, it states a Creams cafe is coming to Bath 'soon'.

The company specialises in ice creams inspired by Italian food.

The Creams website adds: "Creams Cafè started back in 2008 and the first UK franchise took two years of meticulous research and planning until it was finally set up.

"After several trips to Italy, the authentic gelato ice cream was carefully selected to bring you the very best quality of ice cream desserts.

"This franchise is a unique and independent food brand.

"Our stores aim to hold an aesthetically pleasing value.

"We aim to present a 1950s retro Americana genre whilst boasting a black and purple colour scheme alongside distinctive lighting which adds a trendy, unique looking design and feel.

"We have created a wide range of sundaes, smoothies, juices, and desserts that contain recipes which give indulging flavours that can only be experienced at Creams.

"Our cafes are a place to visit during any time of the day and is suitable for all age groups."