Ref/WCC006
01/02/12
The Wellingborough Chamber has come out strongly against the development of a major retail park at Skew Bridge on the edge of Rushden on the A45.
Following Kettering MP Phillip Hollobone’s impassioned plea in Parliament for this proposed application to be called in by the Secretary of State and refused when it is submitted, the Wellingborough Chamber is now backing this robust stance.
The Chamber fears that the proposed development of up to 20 high street stores, with the possibility of a large M&S in an out of town location will damage Wellingborough’s town centre beyond repair. It would certainly close the doors on the recently announced M&S ‘Simply Food’ at Castlefields.
It goes against the jointly agreed North Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy which supports retail development in town centres and also against national policy which promotes a ‘town centre’ first approach. The recent Mary Portas report on the High Street also confirmed the need to strengthen this policy if town centres are going to continue to thrive and compete against the growing threats of online shopping and existing out of town locations.
The level of footfall and demand in Wellingborough is already very fragile due to the recession and lack of regeneration which has recently occurred. If this goes ahead it would seriously damage all of the work that is starting to happen to promote Wellingborough through the Business Improvement District.
The Chamber wants Wellingborough Council to unequivocally come out and oppose the development to help protect its town centre and support the retailers which are having such a difficult time.
Alan Piggott, Chamber President, stated ‘it would be great to hear that the Council was on the verge of bringing forward a scheme for retail, leisure and entertainment within the town centre as well announcing a developer for the High Street site which will be predominately for housing. Without new sites and opportunities for additional shops people will continue to spend their money outside of the Borough.’
‘The minimum we require is to oppose this massive retail development on our doorstep in a completely inappropriate location.’
Notes to the Editor:
- Wellingborough Chamber of Commerce is a membership organisation representing the interests of businesses within the Borough of Wellingborough.
- Further information on the Wellingborough Chamber of Commerce can be obtained at the their website www.wellingboroughchamber.co.uk
3. The Chamber supports and works closely with the Town Centre Partnership and Wellingborough BID company.