Getting Cosy at Christopher Place

The biggest redevelopment of Christopher Place shopping centre since it opened its doors in the 1980s is close to completion.

Behind inauspicious hoardings telling the history of the site and the centre can be found another milestone, the complete transformation of the former French Connection store and defunct snooker bar into an exciting new space.

Property company Bidwells have overseen the scheme to create a 697 sq m site for the city’s first Cosy Club – a new bar and restaurant in a welcoming and luxurious environment quite unlike anything else in St Albans.

Customers will access the club from the mall of Christopher Place, with the old stairs out into Lower Dagnall Street now removed, but outside seating will also be available.

The St Albans Times was invited behind the scenes to photograph the new space and show our readers what has already been achieved. Now the major construction work is coming to an end, the Cosy Club fit out is expected to take place over the coming weeks, with a view to opening in September, but our photos show the extent of the new floorspace with the old walls now removed.

Next to the Cosy Club will be Pho, offering healthy Vietnamese street food, which will be opening at the same time.

Centre manager Catherine Morris said: “This is the most exciting news for Christopher Place and St Albans, and will be quite unlike anything else in the city.

“Offering all-day dining and drinking, decadent surroundings and a decidedly different experience, Cosy Club is going to be the most talked-about new venue of the year, and Pho is another welcome addition to our portfolio.

“I can’t wait to welcome our customers to this amazing new space.”