Coventry Live readers are not happy to hear that plans submitted to Coventry City Council could see the long-vacant Topshop building converted into a Popeyes restaurant. The unit has been empty for several years following financial issues at Topshop’s parent company.
Since then, multiple planning applications have been made for the Broadgate site, including a proposal for a Tim Hortons, but none came to fruition. This week, the owners of American chicken chain Popeyes submitted three applications, now available on the council’s planning portal.
One seeks Listed Building Consent, another is a full minor application covering internal and external changes, and the third requests permission for illuminated signage.
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A planning statement from agent Williams Gallagher explains that the applications are on behalf of PLK Chicken UK Ltd, trading as Popeyes, to facilitate occupation of the former Topshop unit at 54-56 Broadgate, which is part of the Grade II listed former Leofric Hotel building in a prominent city centre location. The proposals aim to bring a long-empty unit back into use and support the ongoing regeneration of Broadgate, complementing the growing mix of retail, leisure, and food and beverage outlets.
City planners will review the applications, which are open until 14 May 2026. They can be viewed on the planning portal under references PL/2026/0000441/LBC, PL/2026/0000442/ADV, and PL/2026/0000446/FUL.
If approved, this would become Coventry’s second Popeyes, following the branch that opened at Arena Park Shopping Centre in late 2025.
Commenter Blueblue123 complains: “More expensive junk food chicken?! Seriously CCC, remember when the country was campaigning against so many fast food places and junk food, and the council was rejecting such places, me too!”
Anne M agrees: “No wonder there’s so much obesity. The local council keeps allowing another greasy takeaway. Why not something healthier like fresh salads or pasta instead?”
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Knash agrees: “This would be an absolute waste of a prime location in the City Centre. We who live in Coventry do not need yet another eatery in the Town Centre, there are already endless ones, as CCC well knows. I find it quite surprising that a far better use of these premises cannot be found, please CCC reject this proposal. Certainly, if it does go ahead, I will never eat there.”
Westorchards replies: “As much as I’d like to see a better use for this site. Companies aren’t fighting over it. Rather, it has a tenant than to stay empty.”
Cane09 adds: “Complaining just for the sake of it. People act like businesses are lining up to move in. Do you want it to stay boarded up and the town dead? Popeyes has nearly 4,000 restaurants across over 30 countries, with $230 million in net profit and a $2 billion valuation, yet some think Coventry’s empty retail space is too good for it! Small town thinking.”
2414 asks: “What about proper bakeries, fresh fruit and veg, and butcher shops like in the old days?”
Reformplant replies: “Those shops used to exist, but they closed because supermarkets were cheaper and more convenient. Now the same is happening to other businesses because of online shopping and food delivery. Eventually, we could lose shops, banks, and more, because people are too lazy to go out, and companies make more profit by cutting staff. It’s likely to get even worse over the next decade.”
Darren S adds: “Most cities nowadays seem to be entertainment hubs. People complain, yet they shop at out of town complexes or buy online. Use or lose.”
Isitme? writes: “I think CCC are just rushing to do as much damage to the city centre as they can before they’re out. What’s the point of cycle lanes to get people fitter when all they do is make way for more fast food shops? Where’s the sense in that?”
Mujahid Ali agrees: “A poor use of space. Another Popeyes is not needed, especially with so many similar outlets already nearby.“
Another fast-food outlet moving in, what do you think this will do for the city centre? Would you rather see independent shops or restaurants here instead? Have your say in our comments section.
