Coffee chain giant Costa is opening another shop in Southampton – creating up to ten jobs in the process.

The new outlet is taking over the former M&Co clothes shop building in Shirley high street.

Costa has a large presence in the city, with outlets in Below Bar, Southampton, WestQuay shopping centre, Nelson Gate, The Mall, Portswood Road, and Tesco in Millbrook.

The cafe is expected to be open by mid-December.

Cllr Mark Challoner, who represents the Shirley ward on Southampton City Council, said Costa’s emergence in the high street will be a positive move.

He said: “Anything going on the high street that proves to be popular with the public is a good idea.

“I would love to see the whole of Southampton have more manufacturing or skills jobs but any form of job is a good move in this climate.

“In Shirley there have been a number of new cafes and ice cream shops, but it is creating a place where people want to be and spend time in, which could then attract other business.

“I have nothing against Costa and I wish that particular franchise good luck.

“I would say that in Shirley we have had a lot of pawn brokers and pay day loan firms – the less desirable of companies – but anything that broadens the appeal of the area is a good thing.”

A spokesman for Costa Coffee said: “Costa, the nation's favourite coffee shop, are pleased to announce that we are opening a brand new store on Shirley high street, Southampton, in mid-December, bringing 8-10 new jobs to the local area.

“As with all of our new store openings we will do all that we can to integrate ourselves with the local community: getting involved with events, providing the store as a meeting place and helping with fundraising."