And then there were... Three closure adds to long list of departures
CITY CENTRE SEES ANOTHER MAJOR STORE SHUT UP SHOP
ANOTHER major Nottingham store has shut up shop following a string of closures in the city centre.
Three mobile store in Albert Street has closed down in another blow to the area.
It comes after the street has also seen closures from The Body Shop and Pret A Manger, as well as Hotter and M&S Home Store closing in Lister Gate.
The area close to the new Broadmarsh redevelopment has been struggling in recent years after large retail chains have disappeared.
The once vibrant part of the city has been hit by the Covid storm which saw many high street stores close.
Those who weathered the challenging months have been trying to keep going despite high rents.
The redevelopment of Broadmarsh is hoped to bring life back into the south part of the city, but has had a huge impact on businesses while work takes place.
East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “The direct impact of the pandemic on bricksand-mortar retail is visible in many cities across the country, and in Nottingham the industry’s struggles have been exacerbated by interrupted development of the former Broadmarsh Centre.
“Having a half-demolished shopping centre at a key entrance to the city centre for the past couple of years, for reasons understood, has been hugely unfortunate and this will ultimately affect nearby businesses.
“It was great to have a vision outlined for the future of the Broadmarsh area at the back end of last year, and everyone with a stake in the city is eagerly awaiting to see what happens next.
“Swift progress in this regeneration project will be crucial in giving investors the confidence to back Nottingham and for businesses to move into vacant units, but recent high street trends also highlight why we must be imaginative in how we envision our future city centres – moving away from a reliance on retail and creating a place to live, work and spend our leisure time.”
An innovative approach to retail comes from ALB property developers who have come up with a way of preserving Nottingham’s high streets by buying the empty shops.
In a bid to replicate London’s Carnaby Street, ALB Group is snapping up the vacant stores in a bid to attract independent businesses. ALB managing director Arran Bailey is hoping it will start a resurgence in the city.
He is determined to put an end to high rents and long leases that landlords have previously demanded in the city, by making the units more affordable, with shorter lease periods. ALB has purchased 11 units in Bridlesmith Gate and Lister Gate in an effort to restore quality shopping in Nottingham.
Mr Bailey previously told the Nottingham Post: “We want to make this area cool again – bring a vibrancy back that Nottingham was once known for. We want to see this part of Nottingham get a buzz like we’ve seen in areas like Hockley.
“With the neighbouring Broadmarsh regeneration core to this end of the city centre, we want to also encourage independent retailers, restaurants, bars and coffee shops to get on board and embrace our vision for a reawakened café culture and thriving retail district.”
Bridlesmith Gate has seen closures from retailers Cath Kidston, Hobbs, Pretty Green, MAC, Argento and the Tokenhouse in recent years. Businesses including 18Montrose, Fred Perry and Sneakerverse have all kept trade going on the street. Lister Gate, which is home to H&M and New Look, has some good news with designer store Flannels opening up soon
Having a halfdemolished shopping centre at a key entrance ...has been hugely unfortunate Scott Knowles