VOTE: First look at plans for Bhs’ major new development
THESE are the exclusive first images of the new look for Scunthorpe's Bhs store.
As previously reported, Bhs is to take over Scunthorpe's derelict Waremart store – with its major new shop to open its doors in October.
Bhs, owned by Arcadia Group, has confirmed it will take over the two-floor premises, giving it a complete make-over.
That move comes just weeks after Bhs shut down its previous town centre shop to make way for budget store Primark.
The images are of BHS' new store in Uxbridge, with the Scunthorpe store set to follow its modern design.
A spokeswoman for Arcadia confirmed: "The Scunthorpe store will be a new Bhs concept store with a Wallis insert.
"The building's exterior will be redesigned and a cafe will be installed on the first floor, which will also house furniture and home accessories.
"The ground floor will be given over to clothing, selling women's, men's and children's clothes and shoes."
Contracts have been formally exchanged between The Parishes shopping centre and Arcadia and although an official launch date is still to be confirmed, doors should be open by "mid- October".
Designs submitted to North Lincolnshire Council's planning department reveal the shop will be totally remodelled and will include a Wallis concession.
The 63,000sq/ft, 120ft high Woolworths store was opened in 2002, at a cost of £3.5-million, to offer retailing on three floors but ceased trading in December 2008 with the loss of 50 jobs.
The premises re-opened in the summer of last year as a discount store called Waremart but the business folded after six months.
Tony Pickering, centre manager of The Parishes, which is run by managing agents Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), said: "This is a significant investment in Scunthorpe town centre and it is a real vote of confidence for the whole North Lincolnshire region.
"Things have been difficult during the recession but we have footfall picking up.
"The town centre has been written off lately but this is fantastic news, and I am sure companies such as Bhs and Primark will be followed by others in investing in Scunthorpe."
6 Comments
by Dan, Scunny
Wednesday, September 01 2010, 9:41PM
“All looks very nice but then there is another store to close in Scunthorpe that is potentially a bigger loss than BHS. Not going to say which but I know M&S have been offered it and that it is potentially a big loss.”
by brian, Ashby
Wednesday, September 01 2010, 7:40PM
“still cost £3 return on bus from ashby to scunthorpe, same price to go to grimsby,s new clean shopping covered centre return, know which i would pre-fair , scunthorpes a tip ,”
by Phil, scunny
Wednesday, September 01 2010, 7:28PM
“Good news about the Crosby hotel, it has looked an eyesore for ages now. Good riddance. The new BHS lloks better and bigger than the old one too.”
by Thoades, Scunny
Wednesday, September 01 2010, 5:45PM
“Good news for the town centre, hope its got a pick and mix!
Not so good by the sounds of it for the Crosby Hotel though...
http://www.visitscunthorpe.com/Scunthorpe-News.asp?Article=129”
by The Scribe to Capt Kirk and his crews folly's, Pittwood House
Wednesday, September 01 2010, 5:29PM
“Very true Doug,
But it won't be for the right reasons - thanks To Capt Kirk and his crew's lack of effort during their tenure.”
by Doug Redhead, Scunthorpe
Wednesday, September 01 2010, 1:56PM
“It was said nationally when we were heading into the recession that when we come out of it the countries 'High Streets' would look different, ours certainly will do.”