INDEPEDENT shops will be appearing at a new town centre development, promising to be a 'home to niche businesses that will set it apart from the norm'.

A bakery and tea room, vinyl record shop and a craft beer bar will be opening their doors to Peach Place, Wokingham Town Centre.

Shoppers will get to enjoy a range of pastries and cakes at The Blue Orchid Bakery and Tea Room, or try a craft beer at Sit and Sip.

As well as the Leafy Elephant already being announced at the towns first indepedent gin bar, residents will also get to discover their favourite vinyl at Beyond the Download record shop.

Councillor Philip Mirfin, executive member for regeneration, said: "I am very pleased to welcome another three great new independents to the town.

"Or vision for Wokingham remains to create a great mix of stores in the town centre with a balance between the national names, like Waterstones and Gail's bakery, we are bringing to Peach Street and the more niche units within the square and elsewhere.

"Our first stores have proven incredibly popular and we are hoping residents will embrace these new businesses as well."

Cook who are set to open as early as March will be located on the Rose Street side of the development, close to Waitrose, as well as Beyond the Download.

The Leafy Elephant, Blue Orchid Bakery and Sit & Sip will be situated near the new Peach Place square, which, will benefit from the pedestrianised area with outdoor seating and space for events.

Cllr Mirfin added: "We are also preparing to handover the keys to other new businesses so keep an eye out for more announcements of names in the coming weeks. "Stores in Rose Street and Peach Street will continue to open individually as they are ready."