Plans submitted for Joe and the Juice to open in Chelmsford

Joe and the Juice, a Danish brand known for its juices, smoothies, coffee, and sandwiches, has applied to open a branch at 17-18 High Street in a Grade II-listed building formerly occupied by Superdrug.

The building has been vacant since Superdrug relocated to a larger unit at High Chelmer Shopping Centre in 2024.

If approved, this would be Joe and the Juice's second location in Essex, in addition to its existing branch at Stansted Airport.

The company has submitted planning and listed building applications to Chelmsford City Council.

Max Shadforth of Hybrid Planning and Development Limited, representing the applicant, said the works have been designed to create a "modern café and juice bar" while retaining the character of the historic building and surrounding conservation area.

"Allowing Joe and the Juice to operate in the space will bring increased employment and opportunities for local people and continued social and economic regeneration of the city," Mr Shadforth said in a planning document.

Plans suggest the ground floor would serve as the customer area, featuring seating, a serving counter and tills.

The first floor would be reserved for storage, refrigeration, staff lockers, and other operational needs.

Several external changes are also proposed, including signs and repainting the shopfront on both the High Street and Bond Street sides.

Four air-conditioning condenser units would be installed on the roof.

The site is located within Chelmsford’s primary shopping area and the Chelmsford Central Conservation Area.

Planning documents state that reusing the vacant unit would support the High Street’s vitality and contribute to the wider city centre economy.

The plans will go before Chelmsford City Council.