A new business is set to take over a popular coffee shop in Marlow which closed its doors last month.

Costa Coffee, in Higginson Park, closed down after coming to the end of its lease after it struggled to cope with the £85,000 rent – a move which was branded a “great shame” by residents and businesses.

Now, a sign has been seen in the window saying: “The Resolute. Coming soon.”

Last year the Marlow Free Press reported that estate agents were marketing a café unit in Higginson Park – which was the Costa Coffee site.

Wycombe District Council (WDC), which part-owns the plot, said the new business was likely to be another coffee shop while some residents are speculating it could be a pizzeria.

Last week, businesses slammed the “astronomical” rent price of the site, with Marlow Chamber of Commerce president Aimee Smith saying the fact that a chain had been forced out because of the price “speaks volumes”.

She added that it would be “impossible” for an independent shop to take on the space.

WDC said in a statement: “After Costa came to the end of their lease, the site was generally marketed.

“A number of interested parties came forward which resulted in a competition to find the best fit for the site.

“The successful bidder is expected to move in soon, once the legal documentation has been completed.”

The council said it is hoping to release more information about the new outlet soon.

The building was leased by Paul Messenger, who ran 20 Costa stores under his franchise Coffee Snobs, including the one in West Street.