Independent businesses could leave the Brunel Shopping Centre if big brands continue to close.
Following the announcement of Sainsbury’s closure, and the earlier closures of Debenhams and TopShop, two owners stated they would be considering their position.
Lee Mulholland, owner of Something Different Gift Shop and Johnathon Brown, one of the co-owners of the Incredible Comic Shop, both admitted they would look elsewhere when their lease was up - if the situation didn’t improve.
But the Brunel Shopping Centre said that the complex is more than just shops and people visit for the social aspect.
It added that future plans for the centre included a £100,000 market hall.
Here’s what you said on Facebook:
Sandra Edmondson: “Money’s on all the land in the town centre has been bought up by developers.”
Anna Hughes: “It is not a pleasant place to visit, it is an intimidating and uncomfortable place to visit for people especially when you can shop from home and at cheaper costs.
“The antisocial behaviour of groups (not just youths, but they are the worst) just hanging around on benches, people just riding through on bikes and on skateboards nearly knocking into shoppers. This is what needs to be addressed.”
Lesley Lilley: “So are we saying here that people only went into the town centre to shop in Sainsbury’s. I think not.”
Davide Petraccini: “If the landlords ask for less money and the council for less business rates, then the shops can compete with online retails.”
“Doesn’t help parking costs too in town centre.”
Su Davis: “Brand new market hall? There’s one already that didn’t work, now sat empty and covered in graffiti, why would a new one be any different?
“People have been saying for years that rates for units are too high and that included the tented market and it sounds like they haven’t learned a thing. It's a joke.”
Tracy Lesley: “It’s worrying for independent traders, where are inSwindon and Swindon Borough Council who should be supporting local business as well as large traders.
“We saw where they were when they made the traders move from the big top to bulldoze as it was sold all those years ago.
“Funnily enough its still there and no flats. Disgusting the way the traders were treated.”
Lynda Brown: “And there are also several independent shops who closed due to the huge business rates demanded by the council.
“Perhaps the council should consider their rating policy under the present circumstances.”
Worthy K Kelar: “Ghost town.”
Sidney Ansell: “Don’t blame the council.
“It’s the fault of the government who changed the rating system and then cut government grants to the councils.”
Johnathan Carter: “Who ever owns the buildings needs to reduce their rent to help keep the shops in the town centre.”
Martin Pearce: “£100k for a brand new market hall?
“It would probably cost that for a double-storey extension on my house.”
Katarzyna Anna Bowles: “Flats, flats, flats everywhere. That is the plan.”
Janice Timms: “They need to open up the canal, get the foreign markets back as well as look at the commercial rates.
“It’s not rocket science, but they’re not making the most of what’s there.”
Steve Smith: “House of Fraser is closing end of September, who next M&S?”
Claire Edwards Evans: “It needs full regeneration.
“Some housing, pop up shops, markets, events and some open green space for people to enjoy.”
Debbie Jenkins: “Ultimately, e-commerce will be a net beneficiary as the crisis is pushing more people to shop online.
“And some will likely keep buying online at elevated levels once more shops close.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel