Retail snub prompts gym plans for centre
Since the Somerfield supermarket closed in 2011, agent Michael Jones has tried to find a tenant for the unit without success – despite offering it at a heavily cut price.
The agent described the retail interest as ‘extremely poor’, and a leisure facility such as a gym was the only way to find a tenant.
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Hide AdA marketing report submitted with the planning application, compiled on behalf of Michael Jones, said: “During our extensive marketing campaign, despite a few enquiries from temporary charity shop-type users, there has been no retail interest to date.
“There has, however, been interest from various gym operators.”
The report highlights a seemingly gloomy picture for Worthing’s high street, with 25,000 square feet of retail space on the market within half a mile of the centre.
Over half this space has been vacant for over six months – with Chapel Road mentioned as a particular problem.
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Hide AdThe report also noted the agent’s marketing campaign was ‘fruitless’, with no demand from food retailers.
It highlights the centre’s location – away from the town’s primary retail space – as unattractive to the major brands.
For the full story, see the Worthing Herald, out Thursday, September 5.