EMPTY SHOP DIVIDED IN TWO
‘RADICAL RETHINK’ PLAN TO BRING NEW BUSINESSES INTO TOWN
Ashbourne’s biggest empty store could be split into smaller shops to encourage new businesses into town. In a ‘radical rethink’ for the former Waitrose and Bargain Buys building off Shaw Croft, developers envisage it being divided into two units which will appeal to new tenants.
ASHBOURNE’S biggest empty shop could be split up into smaller units, to encourage new businesses to set up in the town.
The former Waitrose building off Shaw Croft, which has also been home to Somerfield and Bargain Buys, could be subject to what its owners are calling a “radical rethink” to accommodate smaller firms more suited to the current retail climate.
Property firm Salloway has announced the plans on behalf of the building’s owners, and the letting agent says the challenge now is to ensure it has a broad appeal to prospective new tenants.
Stephen Salloway said: “Our clients are keen to widen the appeal of these premises to accommodate changing requirements in a dynamic market.
“With some minor but innovative alterations, niche units could be provided to suit many uses. In particular, there needs to be better utilisation of the frontage to Shawcroft Car Park.”
According to Salloway, the building’s owners have been receiving inquiries from various sectors including gyms, pub, restaurants, automotive and tradecounter firms, but all say they would prefer a smaller floor area than the building currently offers.
Mr Salloway said: “Town centres are changing and it is important that stakeholders are adaptable in order to stimulate activity.
“Our clients understand that the retail landscape is very different and I am delighted they are taking a proactive stance to get this building occupied. They have instructed architects to prepare a scheme. “I expect the building may be split, possibly into two units of around 500 square metres, and I am hopeful that terms will be agreed with specific occupiers soon. “Our clients can then seek the necessary planning permissions to proceed with the repurposing of the building.”
Premium supermarket brand Waitrose called time on its nine years of trading in Ashbourne in the spring of 2019, and it was announced at the same time that a new owner for its store, which was built in the 1970s as part of the Shaw Croft complex, had already been found. Discount chain Poundstretcher had been working on a deal to take over the building, which fronts on to Compton Bridge.
However, it took the Leicester-based firm several months to reconfigure the new store to accommodate what eventually came its 80th outlet operating under its relatively new sub-brand Bargain Buys.
The ribbon was eventually cut on the new store, by mayor Ann Smith, in December 2019 but almost a year later its staff were told the store was due to close in the run-up to Christmas.
At the time it was rumoured Bargain Buys was hoping to move to the vacant former Countrywide store in Waterside Park, but nothing came of that.
The Shaw Croft store, which sits alongside the busy thoroughfare of Shrovetide Walk, has remained empty ever since Bargain Buys finally shut up shop on December 10 last year.
With some minor but innovative alterations, niche units could be provided to suit many uses. Stephen Salloway