dippyhippy

Yes Two Wheels, I remember it well. Also have in the back of my mind, that before C and A took up this place, Debenhams were in the frame to go in there......but the Chadds family put a stop to it! Anyone else remember this???

How very useful! Wonder if Hoople have "improved" their system as well....????

Thanks for this Grid Knocker - always good to have the facts!

Afternoon Bobby!The scenario you have put forward regarding Debenhams, is pretty much what I was thinking - if they're not tied in, they'll cut their losses and go. As you say, what we could be left with makes the mind boggle! Its going to be a while before many of us see an increase in our disposable income....you can't spend what you don't have. With the best will in the world, I just don't see a particularly rosy future for this.

Interesting to note, from Megillelands earlier post, that Widemarsh Street, the supposed gateway from Old to New, has one of the highest rates of empty shops......

Thanks for the update Two Wheels. It's a real shame that this complex is being allowed to go to ruin. Have just read that Debenhams have issued their second profit warning in less than 12 months. According to The Financial Times, "Concern has been rising about trading at Debenhams, since the FT revealed two weeks ago, that it had demanded millions of pounds from suppliers." Should this be ringing alarm bells...???

Does anyone know how much of the Left Bank complex is currently being used? I seem to recall reading that a solicitors firm were moving in to part of it....that still leaves a lot of space! I have to say, I don't venture that far down very often, not since it closed.

"If all of the non - k units are let, anybody know who is going in them?" This is what I find strange Biomech - you would think this moment would have been used as an opportunity by the developers to blow their own trumpet as to the success of letting all the units.....yet,nothing! I find that very odd indeed!

Thanks so much Megilleland - this really is worth a read folks!

It was the Town Centre First policy, on the Beyond Retail thread. (Colin, I did try to do the link thing, but it kept asking me for a URL number, so I obviously got something wrong!)

Brilliant Megilleland! I seem to remember reading one of your posts that was a detailed description of what the governments policy for rejuvenating Town Centres was. Any chance you could put up a link to it? I think its worth reading again!

"The problem is we have too many shops." So what does our esteemed council do? Why, they build more of course! If Debenhams had taken over the old Chadds premises, that would have tidied up that end of town considerably! Having been along the new cycle path, I think its unfair to label it a death trap - certainly some better lighting either end would be an improvement, and the signage issue is due to be sorted quickly! Having read the discussion that took place on H.T regarding the incinerator, the subject of a train link to Rotherwas came up. councillor Liz Harvey, IOC, spoke favourably about it! A University would have been great for Hereford........maybe one day, when folk realise that the addition of yet another supermarket is not going to solve Herefords problems!

Yes Glenda, I was wondering that myself! To be honest, I couldn't believe how busy they were in there the last couple of times I've been into town. It must be a concern to the staff that they have employed. Don't forget TK Maxx will be shutting up shop to move across to the new development as well. What is the proposed opening date now?

Ah! K for Kiosk! That makes sense! Sooo.......would I,as a member of the public, be allowed into the Newmarket Tavern, to have a look at this plan??

Thanks for this Colin. All of these images do really back up what Grid Knocker was saying in an earlier post. I think we are pretty much on the way to 20%, and I suppose if we factored in units which remain un let within the Butter Market, this is probably a realistic figure. I am sure someone will say, ah well....this isn't classed as High Town, or some such thing. Truth is, however you try to fudge the figures, empty shops are empty shops! You can't argue with the photographic evidence you have so kindly provided us with. Its a real shame, that the majority of those closed are independents.

Hi Will, thanks for the info! Seasonal units? Could you explain a little more? Are these pitches, rather than units? If they are units, does this mean they will only be trading for part of the year, how does this work then? How big in terms of floor space are the K1,K2 and K3 units? Sorry to bombard you with questions, its just when a statement like "all units are let, and have been for quite a while" is made, it would be nice to have a little more detail, to back it up! Hope your Christmas went well, and your daughter has fully recovered from her accident.

The Maylords situation is a worry. Will, I do believe on another thread you replied to a query that all of the units within the OLM are now let, can you tell us who is going to be occupying them? I find it hard to believe that this didn't herald some sort of fan fare moment, if they are all let, why are they keeping quiet about it?? Colin, did you venture down as far as Bridge Street / King Street??

Ah Colin! You make it all sound so simple! I shall make it my New Years Resolution to practise!

This is worth a look through! The transcript of the oral evidence is interesting stuff!

Question 33, page 23.....just about sums it up.

Chortle, chortle Grid Knocker!! "Glad tidings you bring, To me and The King....!!" Couldn't they send him to a bird sanctuary a little further away.......say perhaps, The Outer Hebrides?? Gloucester is more or less on the way home again....!!!!

I wonder what Patricia Morgans' fate will be.......????

Thanks Colin, for making the links look so professional! Much appreciated!

I actually thought the Twix was rather generous - there's no way he'd have been offered a Linda MacCartney vegetarian sausage and a couple of free range eggs! Anyway, he'd have set off from his very own B and B at Kerne Bridge, so he probably wouldn't have wanted my paltry offering!

Wow! What an epic chapter! That statue is going to be worth every penny - and should my grandchildren bitterly complain about their rightful inheritance being spent on it, I shall stipulate that a plaque is mounted underneath it.... "King Bobby 47 - he may, just may, have been the saviour of Hereford!" That should shut them up, I mean I've left them my collection of original 1950's advertising posters and a signed copy of Donovans "Catch The Wind" what more could they possibly want???