The Glassworks

The unit L3 upstairs, could it be paired with the 2 units underneath making another large unit so potentially one more big name could take it or are the units on ground standalone? Also the unit next to urban burger has sneaked under the radar then

 

Also is the Starbucks which is shown actually located in the cineworld entrance?

 

The Starbucks is technically part of Cineworld. They’re a franchisee and operate Starbucks branches in their cinemas. It’s on the ground floor next to the Cineworld entrance. It has its own set of doors, but is also accessed via Cineworld.

 

It’s not impossible, but it does have its own ground floor entrance next to The Fragrance Shop. It’s being marketed as a leisure unit so I wouldn’t expect a big ‘retail’ name to take if that’s what you’re suggesting. The ground floor presence isn’t really big enough, but you never know.

The unit next to Urban Burger is only very recently under offer - I’m sure I’ll find out who’s taking it soon.

 

Was speaking to someone I know in Superdrug yesterday and they said that they wanted to get a unit in the glassworks but there wasn’t one left big enough (the unit new look took wasn’t big enough for them either) so they’re not sure Waltham they are doing but that store will be closing they’re just looking at sites (maybe tk max in Alhambra) but as of yet they haven’t got anywhere to go but those buildings are definitely being vacated soon and demolished

 

I think both New Look and Superdrug have been given incentives to vacate. The Alhambra probably is their only option now, but I’d say the TK Maxx unit is probably slightly too big even if they relocate and incorporate The Perfume Shop in there too. It’s also next door to their Savers brand and I don’t think their strategy is to have both brands so close together - I guess they could easily move Savers somewhere else.

 

Is building where Superdrug are currently housed going to be demolished?

 

looking at it on google maps just to check, I'm pretty sure you'd get away with just some cladding on the outside of that building to tie it in with the Glassworks. If they're incentivising moving out though, perhaps there is a bigger plan.

 

I think @Freddiel mentioned it some time ago that plans were to demolish the BHS building including along to Superdrug. With what was said yesterday in Superdrug that seems the plan and apparently they are already having discussions in planning regarding all this. I think they have no interest in ‘tarting up’ the buildings tbf they’re an eyesore, more continuing the theme of the glassworks square around that side of cheapside. I couldn’t imagine Superdrug not having a presence in town though so hopefully they find a suitable unit

 

While they’re at it they should pull down the boots building as well as that’s one hell of an ugly building imo

 

I thought that about WHSmiths.

 

Great - Parndland Piazza

 

The latest ‘town centre strategy’ suggests there’ll be too many vacant retail units (with little demand for them), not enough green space, and a lack of housing in the town centre if it’s left as is. The plan is to focus on a core area for retail and to create more green spaces by demolishing some of the unattractive, vacant retail units. Housing provision is included in the plan for ‘The Seam’ - which is what the rest of us know as Courthouse car park.

There’s no firm plan yet for which buildings will be demolished, but the former BHS was identified as one that should be considered. I think the council are taking advantage of the tenant leases coming to an end and will likely stick a compulsory purchase order on it. I don’t think that will be the only building to go and suspect others along Albert Street East and Market Street will be earmarked for demolition too. I wouldn’t be surprised to see it done in phases as leases end and funding is approved to purchase the buildings.

Adoption of the proposed strategy is at the final stage so I’d expect more formal plans to be submitted once that’s gone through.

 

The BHS building has to go, but my god, it's hiding an awfull lot of grot round the back of M&S's. The next units between that and the little Timpson's building should go too.

 

Like I said it seems it’s more than being discussed as this came from someone in Superdrug themselves although they don’t know where they’re going at this moment they know they are

 

I understand why it's done in phases, but it would be nice to see all building work gone and the town to be town again rather than multiple building sites (as seems to be the case all over the place).

Midland St needs sorting as the new junction is currently boarded off.
Courthouse car park seems ok to me at the moment - with a place for more people to park, though I think parking should be cheaper/free to encourage people into town.

The elephant in the room of the dustbin of the town centre though is Doncaster Road (where the sex shop used to be/is) from the roundabout to Taylor Row.

 

Donny Road stump.

 

I've often thought that area (that bit of Donny Road) could be turn into a nice area with additional parking and the shops moved into the actual town centre. Even the sex shop would be discreet up Market Street.

 

I think peel street could do with a little attention as well some places are ok and then others are totally run down plus it’s ok having a heavy police:security presence in town centre/ lglassworks now but all it’s done is pushed all the towns low life’s and parasites up that street instead causing no end of problems for quality save and Lidl

 

The plan is to pull most of the north side of Peel Street down and build houses / apartments on there. It'll take time though.