Stafford Library

Withnail

Withnail

Well-Known Forumite
I've mentioned it elsewhere - try 'search' ing - can't quite remember the details and am currently with one eye on the Tour of California.

If a 'search' proves fruitless i'll make an effort. Come to think of it, i think it's the only time i've used the word 'shadowy' here, though i may be wrong.
 
M

markpa12003

Well-Known Forumite
I disagree. The stores that have signed up to the Riverside development are flagship stores, which will attract shoppers back into Stafford. Therefore, I consider we will have a resurgent town centre in the next few years, albeit i expect the main focus of shoppers will shift from the Guidhall (and top of the high street) to the Riverside development.

The reason why I believe the town centre has been declining over the last few years is because of the lack of suitable retail space to accommodate the likes of Debenhams and HLM. The units in the Guildhall are too small (as are most of the units in the high street) or they have layout problems (i.e the former C0-op building), which makes them unsuitable.
 
Jonah

Jonah

Spouting nonsense since the day I learned to talk
The decline has been down to the banking crisis. The economy has been in the crapper since late 2007/early 2008 all due to the bankers being something which rhymes with their name.

I still won't believe that any redevelopment is happening until actual construction starts.
 
P

PPPPPP

Well-Known Forumite
markpa12003 said:
I disagree. The stores that have signed up to the Riverside development are flagship stores, which will attract shoppers back into Stafford. Therefore, I consider we will have a resurgent town centre in the next few years, albeit i expect the main focus of shoppers will shift from the Guidhall (and top of the high street) to the Riverside development.

The reason why I believe the town centre has been declining over the last few years is because of the lack of suitable retail space to accommodate the likes of Debenhams and HLM. The units in the Guildhall are too small (as are most of the units in the high street) or they have layout problems (i.e the former C0-op building), which makes them unsuitable.
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'Resurgent'? You seem very optimistic. There must be a job for you at the council! Town centres everywhere are in decline, for many reasons. It seems highly unlikely that a new Debenhams or HLM will revitalise Stafford. Any town that can build a new £38m council HQ within sight of a derelict Tesco and multi-storey car park deserves to fail.
 
M

markpa12003

Well-Known Forumite
Hi Bigbluewolf, the banking crisis certainly hasn't helped, however, nor has a lack of suitable premises in Stafford. The first signs of the construction of the Riverside Development and Morrisons is already taken place as can be seen by the demolition of the Tesco car park and removal of trees.

Hi PPP.... - I don't work at the Council, nor do I want too. I work in the private sector for property and planning consultancy firm and I have over 20 years experience of working in the development industry. The economy is certainly picking up and I'm happy to stand by my comment that the Riverside Development will see a resurgent town centre.
 
Jonah

Jonah

Spouting nonsense since the day I learned to talk
markpa12003 said:
Hi Bigbluewolf, the banking crisis certainly hasn't helped, however, nor has a lack of suitable premises in Stafford. The first signs of the construction of the Riverside Development and Morrisons is already taken place as can be seen by the demolition of the Tesco car park and removal of trees.
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Demolition yes, construction no. Buildings can be torn down easily enough with sites left empty for years.
 
M

markpa12003

Well-Known Forumite
Let's wait and see what happens...

I don't think we will have to wait very long until we see the first signs of 'built' construction for the Riverside Development and Morrisons.
 
Feed The Goat

Feed The Goat

Well-Known Forumite
The arrival of Debenhams and H&M will definitely revitalise the old Tesco area. There is no doubt about that.

However, it will have completely crucify the already defunct Guildhall Centre and the far end of Gaolgate Street etc.

It is no good sweeping the ultra depressing crap hole that is Princes Street under the carpet just because we have got something shiny and new down in the Bridge Street area.

Maybe someone will enlighten us.
 
joshua

joshua

Well-Known Forumite
Unless we get a "big" name retailer both in the m&s store and in the river island site then things are looking bad for the top and middle of town.
The location of the multi-storey will only drive footfall to the new mall area.
As for primark coming to our rescue......dont hold your breath.
 
P

PPPPPP

Well-Known Forumite
While we're on the subject, what a sad place Mill St has become. All that money spent to make it look like everywhere else. Used to be bustling with shoppers, but now it's deserted even on a Saturday morning.
 
Feed The Goat

Feed The Goat

Well-Known Forumite
Mill Street was killed off by two fatal blows :

1) Access only signage at the the entrance to Mill Bank from Tenterbanks confused visitors and directed them off elsewhere

2) Reduction of the parking places in Mill Street coupled with confusing signage that resulted in many shoppers getting fined.

SBC are probably pleased with this as all their efforts are directed to creating a traffic free and uncluttered street scene.

It is certainly uncluttered with customers.
 
7

70-plus

Well-Known Forumite
I believe that Wolverhampton University is coming into the centre of Stafford - not sure where or why?
 
Feed The Goat

Feed The Goat

Well-Known Forumite
Rumour has it, Wolverhampton University are moving in to the space left by the library when it moves to Staffordshire Place.
 
P

PPPPPP

Well-Known Forumite
Why don't they just move into some of the vacant shops and call it Stafford Retail University? Something to be proud of!
 
John Marwood

John Marwood

I ♥ cryptic crosswords
Seaton Carew Tech have an option on the four red telephone boxes in the square

It's for their Urotherapy course
 
hop

hop

Well-Known Forumite
markpa12003 said:
The economy is certainly picking up and I'm happy to stand by my comment that the Riverside Development will see a resurgent town centre.
Click to expand...


I wouldn't say that a few retail units will make much difference to Stafford town centre. You may well know more than me. I know where my money is and will remain and I know that some of the same investors choose to keep their cash in the Channel Islands.
Things are picking up, but at this point in time any investment in Staffordshire is risky and the yield low.
 
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