‘We’re working to keep our city trade vibrant’
Reassurances after shop closures that retailers will be supported
Changes on the high street have seen reassurances that action is being taken to keep Chichester a vibrant and attractive place.
Excitement followed an announcement that a Co-op supermarket will be moving into the vacant unit left by Multiyork in East Street, creating 16 new jobs.
It came just days after independent art shop the Coln Gallery confirmed it will close later this year due to ‘unaffordable’ business rates and rent for its North Street premises.
In response to concerns, Chichester District Council has said the city centre’s vacancy rate is comparatively good in the South East, noting 34 of the 40 shops that opened last year in the BID area were independents.
A council spokeswoman said: “We are working extremely closely with our local partners on the issues that we are able to influence in order to ensure the city remains economically buoyant.”
Co-op has confirmed it will be opening a store in Chichester after a £650,000 investment.
The Co-operative Food Group said the shop will be located at East Street and is due to open in the summer, providing 16 full and part time jobs.
The large retail unit, previously occupied by Multiyork, has sat empty for months until a licensing application appeared on the door this week.
A Co-op spokesman said: “The Co-op is set to serve up its newest food store in Chichester following a £650,000 investment.
“It will offer a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables, healthy foods, meal ideas, ready-to-go hot food, award-winning wines and essentials, along with an in-store bakery, Costa Coffee machine, self-scan tills and paypoint.”
Nigel Wicks, Co-op area manager, said it shows the company is ‘moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum’.
He added: “Our ambition is to ensure the store is a local hub for people living in the area. We also want shoppers to know that they can become a co-owner and member of their Coop. Our members make a difference locally and simply by swiping their membership, they are raising much-needed funding for organisations who contribute to improving local life.”
“Members receive a five per cent reward on the purchase of own-brand products and services, with Co-op donating a further one per cent to causes,” the spokesman added.
“Causes in the area currently benefiting include Southbourne Lions Club, Rotary Club Harbour Community Services Team, and The Apuldram Centre – with Co-op members able to choose which group they would like to support online.”
Co-op said there will be offers and promotions in and around the store to mark its launch, and students in the area holding an NUS card will receive a ten per cent discount ‘to support them during their studies’.