Would be more sensible to encourage redevelopment of existing, unused, retail locations

THE recently published draft of a discussion document on an updated Masterplan for Loughborough town centre includes the somewhat questionable notion of a further dedicated (new) retail development. I cannot understand why anybody would think this is a good idea.

In terms of the town centre itself, we already have The Rushes which, throughout its entire lifespan to date has never once achieved full occupancy.

And the town centre’s traditional focal point, Carillon Court is experiencing a progressive decline in its own occupancy level. There are three quite recently vacated units at the main entrance.

When vacant units in Market Place, Market Street and Granby Street are factored in to the mix, it would be interesting to learn what ‘demand criteria’ Charnwood Borough council are applying when they suggest further new retail locations are required or even remotely necessary...?

As a further aside, the large former Maplins site at Willowbrook Park has now been empty for nine months. It would be interesting to hear from the experts within the borough council what they feel the prospects are for securing a new, long-term tenant for this substantial property? I suspect that there are two chances of this happening any time soon, and Slim left town a while back!

Surely a more sensible priority within any forward-looking Charnwood Borough Council masterplan would be to encourage the redevelopment and redeployment of existing unused retail locations? And I for one would love to hear any credible counter-argument...

Nick Hardy