Argos has ‘no plans’ to close city centre store
RETAILER DENIES IT WILL BE LEAVING FLAGSHIP SITE EARMARKED FOR STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
ARGOS has committed to its flagship store in the city centre after plans suggested its lease on the site may not be extended.
Earlier this week, the Post reported that plans had been submitted to redevelop the back of the Argos building in Lower Parliament Street into student accommodation.
Developer Bmor proposes to demolish a modern extension used for storage and build up to ten storeys of student accommodation in its place.
The historic frontage, where Argos has its showroom, is preserved in the plans, but with 23 studio flats on the upper floors.
Overall, the scheme would create 273 bedrooms and there would also be a courtyard and cafe.
However, a report in the planning application suggests that Argos would not remain at the site, while proposed floor plans appear to show the shop space currently occupied by the retailer divided in two, with student amenities in one half.
A statement reads: “The original Lombard House building was constructed in 1900 as a fruit store and subsequently used for many years as a motor dealership and showroom.
“A single-storey rear extension was added in the 1970s, used as a workshop and store associated with the motor dealership.
“Latterly the buildings on the site have been used as a retail unit by Argos. However, Argos’ lease is shortly to expire and they have indicated they do not want to regear or extend their lease at present.
“The business is accelerating the integration of Argos into existing Sainsburys stores and a reduction in the number of standalone retail units they occupy. The site will therefore become vacant in the near future.”
Argos, however, has disputed the claims made in the statement and confirmed it is committed to the site.
An Argos spokeswoman said: “We’ve shared no plans to close our store.”
Argos’s store in the Broadmarsh
Shopping Centre closed a number of years ago - as the retailer opened in the Sainsbury’s supermarket in Castle Boulevard. Argos will also operate from a long-awaited Sainsbury’s store off the Colwick Loop Road. The Argos store in Beeston has also recently closed.