Shropshire Star

Council retail plans are risky

At the last full council meeting I asked the Shropshire Council leader, Peter Nutting, why he was risking Shropshire people’s money on a town centre redevelopment when national retail outlets were struggling, failing and withdrawing from town centres. My evidence included news that Marks & Spencer were to close 100 outlets and that House of Fraser outlets were under threat.

Published
Shrewsbury's House of Fraser store, which will close

Mr Nutting stated that only 15 outlets of M&S were to close, I apologised for my mistake but just a few days later an announcement was made that indeed 100 outlets were to close.

His reply to House of Fraser being under threat was: “There is no indication of the Shrewsbury store closing at this current time.”

Well we’ve heard the news that the Shrewsbury store is to close.

I asked the original question because I believe the public’s money is being put at risk. The financial media is full of news about high street failures. The media has also highlighted risks taken by councils buying shopping centres. Yet Mr Nutting thought it was an opportune moment to put £52 million of our money at risk not to mention the millions of pounds the redevelopment will cost.

Major outlets are disappearing quickly from Shrewsbury, the development is losing its attraction just as quickly, I hope and pray that any new centre will not be known as Nutting’s Folly.

If I had knowledge of the likelihood that House of Fraser was to close, why didn’t Councillor Nutting and his advisors?

Councillor Kevin Pardy, Sundorne Town and Unitary Councillor

Shropshire Council response:

A spokesperson from Shropshire Council said: “The purchase of Shrewsbury’s main shopping centres will support the economic growth and regeneration of Shrewsbury town centre. It will support the development of Shrewsbury as a ‘destination’, help provide an improved and attractive retail and leisure offer, and secure employment for Shropshire residents both directly and indirectly.

“The council believes that it has a really important role to play in helping to shape the future sustainability of the town. This is particularly important given the changing retail environment and the ability to have control of the shopping centre assets to deliver change for the benefit of Shrewsbury and Shropshire as a whole.

“We were saddened to hear the news regarding House of Fraser and we will be working with the store to ensure that staff are aware of the help and support available to them at this uncertain time. We’ll also speak to the existing franchisees about taking units in the shopping centres.

“We will also be working with our partners, including the Shropshire Business Board and Shrewsbury Business Improvement District (BID), to continue to grow the town.”