B&M and drive-thru coffee shop coming to former Toys R Us in Oldbury

The bargain shop and coffee chain will form part of the new 65,000 sq ft retail park development off Birchley Island in Oldbury.

The Oldbury Toys R Us site has stood empty for more than two years following the collapse of the national toy chain.

Sandwell Council has now approved plans from Hortons’ Estate to transform the site on Wolverhampton Road, which it is hoped will create jobs and attract investment to the town.

The development will see the existing building divided and refurbished to create two new units.

Hortons’ has agreed lease terms with B&M for one of the units on the site, which will be a new 20,000 sq ft store that will include the development of a 5,000 sq ft external garden centre.

A second unit will comprise a retail facility of 20,750 sq ft, including a new mezzanine floor, and is currently under offer.

Hortons’ will also construct an extension to the existing building to create a further 16,000 sq ft unit, which is earmarked for leisure use.

Meanwhile Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons has committed to a lease of a new 2,800 sq ft standalone drive-thru restaurant that will be developed on the park.

The scheme includes alterations to the car park and internal vehicle circulation.

The existing McDonald’s will remain open on the site as part of the new development.

Work is due to start on site in spring this year.

Steve Tommy, head of asset management at Hortons’ said: “We’re delighted that our plans for Birchley Island Retail Park have been approved. Sandwell Council has been very supportive of our vision for the redevelopment of the site and the potential it offers to create jobs for local people.

"This is a prime location that is clearly attractive to retail and leisure operators, despite challenging market conditions. It is very pleasing to have already signed occupiers of the calibre of B&M and Tim Hortons and to have a third building under offer.”