A NEW supermarket tops the wishlist for Adver readers when it comes to the future of the empty Sainsbury's store in the town centre.

The doors closed for the last time on Saturday, ending the supermarket giant's 50-year tenure at the Brunel Shopping Centre.

There is no news yet when it comes to what will take its place.

On Facebook, we asked readers how the space should be used in the months and years ahead.

Barry Cox suggested moving the current Tesco Metro store, located next to the empty Debenhams building.

He said: “Move Tesco from The Parade and then flatten that whole block. Nobody will move into the Debenhams building, nor the offices on top.”

Anthony Bailey added: “Home Bargains or B&M I think would be good.

“Or maybe they could move Poundstretcher from where it currently is to there.”

But others lamented the loss of Sainsbury’s, calling for bosses to reverse their decision.

Jennie Bowling said: “I think Sainsbury’s have made a mistake in closing the store.

“The people who lived near town that shopped there won’t go to the other Sainsbury’s store so they have lost customers.”

Andrew Muirhead added: “I want Sainsbury’s to change their mind and reopen.”

There were suggestions for other stores to open up in its place.

The return of the Disney store, a new indoor market, a bingo hall and even a nightclub were all thrown into the pot as potential replacements.

Other readers had some more depressing predictions, with many suggesting the loss will only speed up the decline of the town centre.

Diogo Costa said: “City centres are doomed. It’s ugly, with bad traffic, difficult and expensive parking and offers not much in return.

“With shopping centres, retail parks and the internet it’s just not worth it.

“Cities with a differential like historical buildings or something else manage to survive, but in Swindon that's not the case.”

Rob Grey added: “Shops don’t have a future. I’m sure in 10 years everything will be delivered direct to your door.”

The Adver approached the Brunel about the supermarket closure and future of the unit but the centre management refused to comment.