Ringing in the changes on the high street
CHIMES RETURNS TO UXBRIDGE TOWN CENTRE
IN WHAT’S been a tough year for trade with three national lockdowns, shoppers may notice some differences to the high street when they return.
According to the Government’s roadmap, non-essential retail could be re-opening from April 12, along with other services such as hairdressers and leisure centres if all goes to plan. Pubs and restaurants will be able to serve people outdoors.
In Uxbridge, the biggest change passers-by may notice on the high street is the former Intu Uxbridge shopping centre reverting back to its old name The Chimes, under new management.
Intu properties was a huge casualty for the high street, announcing it entered into administration in June 2020, putting 17 shopping centres across the UK at risk of closure.
In November, it was confirmed the Uxbridge site was no longer under Intu properties’ management, and in January, The Chimes name was restored to the town centre landmark.
The centre first opened in 2001 as The Chimes, before the Intu Uxbridge takeover in 2013.
In January, Laurie Taylor, The Chimes general manager, said: “This marks an exciting new era for the scheme, as we have literally gone back to the future!
“The centre has, and will, continue to play a pivotal role in the community and we can’t wait to share the excitement and reward our loyal shopper base when we emerge from lockdown.”
“In the meantime our essential stores remain OPEN with many of our restaurants offering a delivery and takeaway service.”
Meanwhile, at the Pavillions Shopping Centre, centre manager Aaron Bayliss said staff were gearing up to welcome shoppers back from April 12, with some new additions to the mall.
“We were extremely delighted to welcome three new stores last year, including Pearson Professional Test Centre, Poundstretcher – both of which have remained open as essential services throughout the lockdown, as well as Nationwide,” he said.
“We will continue to support our retailers’ strategies and look forward to reopening our doors properly in the near future.”
The shopping centre did not comment on any store closures.
However, there are a number of shops and restaurants that won’t be returning to Uxbridge after lockdown is eased. Uxbridge Business Improvement District (BID) has revealed the movers and replacements for the high street and shopping centres.
Permanent include:
■ Arcadia Group - Top Shop, Top Man
■ Bonmarche
■ Peacocks
■ M&Co - The Pavilions
■ Zizzi
■ Pizza Express
■ Chiquito
■ Frankie & Bennies
■ Ask Italian
■ No. 1 Currency
■ Uxbridge Mangel
Atik
However, the business group was also pleased to reveal a number of new business openings:
■ Pound Stretcher – The Pavilions ■ Peri Peri King – replacing Ask Italian
■ Supreme Grill – due to be opening soon replacing Uxbridge Mangel ■ Chaii Pot
■ Wok & Go
Earlier this month, Hillingdon Council expanded its eligibility criteria for its discretionary business grant scheme to allow more businesses in wider sectors to access financial support from Covid-19.
It is hoped to increase the number of businesses eligible for payments and give traders who were forced to close due to government rules a much-needed boost ahead of lockdown easing.
The Additional Restrictions Grant aims to help businesses who have closures in 2020
had a cut in their turnover of 30 per cent or more due to national and tier restrictions.
The council’s Local Restrictions Support Grant has also had its criteria expanded.
Both schemes now include the following sectors:
■ Supply chain to the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors ■ Events and events supply chain, including weddings and related services
■ Travel, tourism and airport support services
■ Supply chain to retail and construction
■ Personal and professional trainers/instructors
■ Professional services
Cllr Martin Goddard, Hillingdon Council’s finance chief, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the local business community.
“Since the first lockdown in March 2020, we have supported more than 3,500 local businesses from a variety of sectors in accordance with government guidance with temporary support grants in excess of £57 million.
“All local authorities have had the discretion to establish business grants schemes that best fit their area, and by revising and expanding our well-established schemes we are ensuring that funding can be distributed as widely as possible amongst Hillingdon’s businesses to support them through this challenging time and help them to bounce back as we slowly and safely start to reopen society.”