Burlington Coat Factory’s plans for a new Bellingham store appear to be moving ahead, as recent records from the city’s permitting office indicate the nationwide retailer has filed a permit application to remodel a former Cost Cutter grocery store on Meridian Street.

The application, filed Tuesday, April 8, describes tenant improvements at 4131 Meridian St., which include an interior remodel, facade renovation and new entry vestibule. The city’s permitting office estimates the project’s value at $2.3 million, according to city records.

Bill Cummings, a senior project manager for Burlington, confirmed in early March that the retailer plans to open a new store on Meridian Street. Cummings said the store is projected to open in October of this year.

Burlington has not yet made an official announcement of its plans in Bellingham, and company spokespeople could not be reached for immediate comment regarding the permit application.

The Meridian Street location is one of two Cost Cutters that were closed last year by the grocery chain’s parent company, The Markets LLC.

The other, a former Cost Cutter in Bellingham’s Sunset Square shopping center, will soon be the new home of a Safeway Inc. grocery store. Safeway announced earlier this month that its new Bellingham store will open in October.

Evan Marczynski, associate editor of The Bellingham Business Journal, can be reached at 360-647-8805, Ext. 5052, or evan@bbjtoday.com.