Give us brands in ex-waitrose store, plead town shoppers
A BOWLING alley, an ice rink or a soft play centre are all among ideas the people of Ashbourne have put forward for a potential remodelling of the former Bargain Buys store.
Following an announcement by the owners of the empty Shaw Croft Centre building that the unit could soon be split into two, we asked followers of our Facebook page what they would like to see popping up in town.
Shops on the wishlist of News Telegraph readers included Next, B&M Bargains, Iceland and Primark, but many of the dozens of people who put forward their ideas say they would rather see activities for young people instead of shops.
The building that was once host to Waitrose, which took over from Somerfield, is being examined by architects who are to draw up plans to split the 1,000 sq ft unit into two smaller shop spaces, with a remodelled access.
The plans, which were announced last week, have got the town talking and among the many suggestions people put forward for what they would like to see were a plethora of brands that shoppers usually head out of town to buy.
Discount household store B&M Bargains, frozen food chain Iceland and fast-fashion store Primark were the most popular offerings, but a few other suggestions did stand out.
Stuart Fletcher said: “A proper sports shop selling actual sports kit and equipment rather than just sports ‘fashion.’
“I’m sure that would be viable if everyone supported it given the number of clubs and sports played locally.”
And Laura Rowley said: “Need a kids clothes shop in this town.
“Trying to get things for my teenagers is a nightmare it’s either Uttoxeter or order online. This town needs this desperately.”
And Robert Parker suggested: “Make it into an indoor market like the Guildhall in Derby and have different stall holders.”
But there was also a strong call for leisure businesses, with many people championing soft-play, or other outlets that would provide activities for youngsters.
Clare Tuck said: “Not a shop but something for kids to do there.
“Cinema, ice skating, bowling or some kind of activity centre with climbing walls and soft play for younger ones.
“It’s somewhere for tourists to go when the weather isn’t good too. Plus it gets people into town.”
And Pamela Sanders added: “I agree with other comments definitely an indoor climbing wall or bowling alley with air hockey, table football and cafe area would be great here.” The building’s agent, Salloway, says the owners are prepared to take the unit back to the drawing board and have a “radical rethink”.
Managing director 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.”
Mr Salloway has also said firms have been enquiring about using the building as a gym, pub, restaurant, automotive or trade-counter shop, but all have said they would rather have a smaller floor space.
The store, which sits alongside Shrovetide Walk, has been empty since December, when its last tenant Bargain Buys pulled out of Ashbourne amid growing pressure on the high street during the succession of coronavirus lockdowns.
Trying to get things for my teenagers is a nightmare it’s either Uttoxeter or order online.. Laura Rowley