'Vacant premises is a primary concern of the town council': Civic leader's delight at Boyes' arrival in Market Drayton
A senior town councillor has welcomed a new department store in Market Drayton, saying it aids ambitions to fill vacant units in the town.
Market Drayton deputy mayor Tim Manton has expressed his delight at the opening of the new Boyes store inside the former Wilko shop on Frogmore Road.
Speaking at the turn of the year, Mr Manton highlighted filling vacant shops and units as a top priority.
The grand opening of the new store earlier this month marked a significant landmark for Boyes: it is the Scarborough-based company's first in Shropshire and 80th overall.
Company chairman Andrew Boyes made a pledge that the business would stick around in the town.
The new store also helps the town council's efforts to address and make several improvements in the region after a commissioned report carried out by the Retail Group.
Chair of the services and facilities committee at the town council, Mr Manton said: "I’m delighted with the opening of the new Boyes outlet in Market Drayton for a number of reasons.
"Initially it was quite devastating for the town of Wilko’s sad demise, that in itself left a big hole in the loss of this multi-purpose retailer for the people of Market Drayton.
"In relative terms though it has not taken long for the retail unit to be occupied, vacant premises is a primary concern of the town council and something that was highlighted in the Retail Group report we had commissioned. The speed at which this vacant unit has been occupied I put down to a number of things.
"I have no doubt in my mind that what we’re doing in the town council by way of our membership of Visit Shropshire and the subsequent footfall data that comes with it, our activities to revitalise our town centre by way of the Retail Group's report and us working together with a marketing and PR company are all making us an attractive proposition for well known retailers to come and set up shop in our town.
"The fact that this is Boyes’ first store in North Shropshire supports that, because let’s face it, there will have been plenty of other destinations for Boyes other than Market Drayton.
"I’ve been in the store and it’s fabulous, there is so much on offer, in fact, and this is nothing against Wilko but I’d say Boyes is a better offer for us in Market Drayton. So all in all I am absolutely delighted, it’s only by working together with our colleagues at Shropshire Council and all our other partners that this stuff happens."
Comment Guidelines
Iconic Media encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.