Interest shown in former Nuneaton store's premises
Feb 3 2012
A COMPANY has made inquiries about taking over the former Marks and Spencer store in Nuneaton, which closed exactly a year ago.
Agents for the London-based owners have recently carried out an inspection of the inside of the Market Place building on behalf of “a very interested party”.
Alan Ottey, borough council town centres manager, said: “I am not aware of any positive developments. But the store has never been put on the market and, hopefully, the owners may be looking at getting another business in to take over the lease.
“It is certainly a prime site and it is a shame to see such a prominent outlet remaining closed.”
The shutters are also in place at another vacant store in the town. Poundland has agreed to move into the former Woolworths premises in Queens Road, which was occupied for a year by TJ Hughes before that company went into liquidation, but the deal has still not been signed and sealed.
Mr Ottey added: “Apparently there is a legal hold-up, but I understand that Poundland are planning to open up the store some time in April.
“Fortunately, we are managing to hold our own in Nuneaton, where the current number of empty shops stands at 6%, compared to the national average of almost double that and our street market continues to do well.”
Moves are going ahead to accept tenders for the development of the Vicarage Street area, which is owned jointly by the borough and county councils and has been earmarked to include shops, offices, a hotel and a new library.
Four members of the Town Hall cabinet met in a closed session last week to consider applications from nine developers for the landmark project. The list will be whittled down to three, with the final decision being made next year.
Article
