SkyscraperCity Forum banner

CUMBRIA | Retail issues and developments

81K views 552 replies 8 participants last post by  madannie 
#3 · (Edited by Moderator)
Sainsbury's and Booths to open superstores
in Penrith, within a week of each other

By Matthew Legg, Business editor, News & Star, Wednesday 5th October 2011


Penrith is set for an £80 million retail boom which could turn it into a Cumbrian mecca for shoppers.

Supermarket giants Sainsbury’s and Booths are gearing up to open new stores in the town next month, creating 480 new jobs.

The Sainsbury’s store will form part of the New Squares development designed to transform the Penrith economy.

The investment was intended to reverse a trend which had seen increasing numbers of Penrith shoppers deserting the town for Carlisle and Kendal – but some community leaders say they are delighted to see Penrith get city-style amenities without spoiling the pleasant Eden Valley environment that makes it so attractive to tourists.

The new Sainsbury’s store will open on November 9 and will form part of the £77m New Squares scheme.

The project is well ahead of schedule, having previously been expected to open in February next year. New Squares itself has been dogged with controversy, having stalled in October 2008 when a bank withdrew funding. Sainsbury’s then offered to restart the project, in exchange for being allowed to build a bigger store, but the district council rejected the offer.

The development was saved in 2010 when Sainsbury’s exercised its legal right to complete the original scheme, which incorporates the supermarket, car park, shops, restaurants, cafes and bars, plus 199 houses and flats.

Penrith’s new Booths supermarket will open on November 15.


Read More - Ballet star shows off charity portraits

.
 
See less See more
#385 ·
This from the News & Star,--


Kids clothing firm expands with new store


A BOUTIQUE children’s clothing business is expanding its operation to the high street in Carlisle.

Best Dressed Kidz was founded nine years ago by Greer Blackadder, in Dumfries.

Greer is opening a second store on Carlisle’s English Street tomorrow. Saturday

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/18054291.kids-clothing-firm-expands-new-store/
 
#386 ·
This from the News & Star,--


Thorntons chocolate shop in Carlisle city centre to close in the new year


A LONG-SERVING city centre shop is to close early in the new year.

The Thorntons branch, for many years a staple store for Carlisle shoppers to get themselves all manner of luxury chocolate goods, will no longer be trading from January.

The company has stated it is trying to find alternative

employment for those working at the outlet, on St Albans Row.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/...ate-shop-carlisle-city-centre-close-new-year/
 
#387 ·
This from the News & Star,--


Shopping boost closer as multi-million pound Carlisle retail project clears critical hurdle


COUNCIL leaders are pressing ahead with plans for a new multi-million pound retail development set to create 100 jobs.

The Gateway 44 scheme will be just off Junction 44 of the M6 at Kingstown, Carlisle.

The contract to build a the unit that will be used for development has now been awarded, with a meeting to kickstart the project due to take place today.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/...rlisle-retail-project-clears-critical-hurdle/
 
#388 ·
This from the News & Star,--


Sports Direct hail “green shoots of recovery” at House of Fraser


Sports Direct has insisted it is starting to see green shoots of recovery at department store House of Fraser, which it purchased from administrators for £90 million last year.

The company, controlled by retail tycoon Mike Ashley, also said a 674 million euro (£561 million) tax inquiry into unpaid VAT in Belgium is also progressing well and bosses expect a decision on 491 million euro to be made by early next year.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/18103914.sports-direct-hail-green-shoots-recovery-house-fraser/
 
#389 ·
This from the News & Star,--


Lidl gets green light for Workington despite 11th-hour plea from Tesco


BUDGET supermarket Lidl has been given the green light for a Workington store despite an eleventh-hour plea from Tesco to halt the scheme.

The German-based discount giant will build on a patch of riverside scrubland cheek-by-jowl with the rival British supermarket chain, which opened its Workington branch in the late 80s.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/...ight-workington-despite-11th-hour-plea-tesco/
 
#390 ·
This from the News & Star,--


Plans granted for new pod retail units to be built within Morrison's Carlisle car park

PLANNING permission has been granted to build two pod units in the car park of a Carlisle supermarket.

One retail unit will house a collection point for the online vehicle website ‘We Buy Any Car’ and another will be for Autoglass windscreen repair and replacement service.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/...its-built-within-morrisons-carlisle-car-park/
 
#391 ·
This from the News & Star,---


Tesco bosses reveal when Metro store on Victoria Viaduct in Carlisle will reopen


SUPERMARKET bosses hope to reopen a store in Carlisle city centre early in the new year.

Tesco Metro, situated right next to the former Central Plaza Hotel building on Victoria Viaduct, had to close in October and relocate staff to other nearby stores.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/...-store-victoria-viaduct-carlisle-will-reopen/
 
#392 · (Edited)
This from the News & Star,---

Tesco bosses reveal when Metro store on Victoria Viaduct in Carlisle will reopen

SUPERMARKET bosses hope to reopen a store in Carlisle city centre early in the new year.

Tesco Metro, situated right next to the former Central Plaza Hotel building on Victoria Viaduct, had to close in October and relocate staff to other nearby stores.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/...-store-victoria-viaduct-carlisle-will-reopen/
I just love the local rag :eek:hno: : the headline states Tesco bosses reveal when store will re-open but the very next line of the report uses the phrase hope to re-open early in the new year, which is not so much a reveal as an aspiration.

Perhaps the story could have been put on hold until a definite date was revealed by Tesco, rather than giving those of us who make use of the shop false hopes that re-opening is imminent.
 
#393 ·
This from the News & Star,---


Debenhams and HMV stores in Cumbria escape closure plans


Cumbria's Debenhams and HMV stores have escaped the axe as the chains announced closures across the country.

Debenhams will close 19 stores between January 11 and 25, with a further 28 reportedly set to close in 2021.

Its branches in Workington, Carlisle, Barrow are not on the initial list.

Debenhams entered administration in April to reduce its debt.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/18139543.debenhams-hmv-stores-cumbria-escape-closure-plans/
 
#395 ·
The proposed B & M Superstore in Cockermouth is not going to happen.

The plans have been rejected twice by Allerdale Council's Planning Committee, as mentioned on here last February, and an appeal by the developers has been dismissed by a government inspector

From the News & Star

"Government throws out appeal by B&M to build superstore in Cockermouth

THE Government has thrown out an appeal by retail giants B&M who controversially wanted to build a budget superstore at the gateway to Cockermouth.

The shock decision puts an end to a long-running David and Goliath struggle which has already seen Allerdale Council reject the scheme twice, only for the supermarket heavyweights to step up their fight back.

Council officers had recommended approval, but the authority’s planning panel disagreed amid claims the development, earmarked for land next to Lakes Homecentre on Low Road, would spoil the area’s character and lead to a loss of precious employment land.

Opus Land North, agents for B&M, had fielded an eight-strong team made up of a barrister, surveyors, as well as drainage, landscape and heritage experts in a bid to overturn the council’s earlier decision.

But the inspector was not persuaded and ruled that the planning panel’s decision had been reasonable."


Full story at https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/18145975.shock-decision-cockermouth-b-m-appeal-dismissed/
 
#396 ·
This from the News & Star,--


IKEA addresses rumours that it will open a new store in Carlisle


BOSSES from worldwide flat pack chain IKEA have addressed rumours they are to open a new store in the county.

The company, which has 21 of its superstores across the UK, revealed plans last year to open a number of smaller branches in cities across the country as part of a new series of expansions.

Currently, those living in Carlisle face a long 120-mile round trip to the nearest store in Gateshead in the north east.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/18202147.ikea-addresses-rumours-will-open-new-store-carlisle/
 
#397 ·
^^

The important line in that news item being very near the bottom, after all the waffle about the round trip to Gateshead and potential sites in Carlisle. It states

"As such, we are reviewing our growth strategy on an ongoing basis. We are not considering Carlisle as a potential location for IKEA at this current time.”

So nothing happening here at the moment, then.
 
#398 ·
This from the News & Star,---


Work starts on new retail park near M6 in Carlisle


CONSTRUCTION work has begun on a new retail development in Carlisle.

Once complete in mid-September this year, the site - named Gateway 44 - will provide a total of 42,300 sq ft of new retail space, with 15,500 sq ft still remaining on units from 2,500 sq ft to 8,000 sq ft.

The retail complex, which is based near junction 44 at Kingstown, will include 181 customer car parking spaces.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/18207885.work-starts-new-retail-park-near-m6-carlisle/
 
#399 ·
This from the News & Star,--


15:17 in talks to buy Carlisle's House of Fraser store



CARLISLE’S under-threat House of Fraser store has been thrown a lifeline.

New department store chain 15:17 is finalising terms to take on the English Street premises, which was earmarked for closure before the chain was taken over by Frasers Group, previously Sports Direct. The House of Fraser store employs about 150 people.

Talks have been going on for months for 15:17 to take on the Carlisle store, part of its plans to open 10 new sites across the country.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/18220472.15-17-talks-buy-carlisles-house-fraser-store/
 
#400 ·
This from the News & Star,--


Town store is set for extension


A leading supermarket is looking to extend one of its stores to expand its range.

Aldi in Workington has been granted planning permission by Allerdale Borough Council to extend the front of the store, move the entrance and change the car park.

The company says it hopes to move the entrance to the south-west corner of the building.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/18220158.town-store-set-extension/
 
#401 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,--


Future of Kendal's Beales store revealed


KENDAL'S Beales store department store has been spared from closure.

The company's administrator KPMG this week announced it would close 12 of the stores after efforts to sell all 23 failed.

The 139-year-old business collapsed into administration in January after it was unable to secure a last-minute buyer.

Read more https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/18229005.future-kendals-beales-store-revealed/
 
#402 ·
Work has apparently started on converting the empty Homebase store at Kingstown into two units, for B & M Bargains (another one) and Smyths Toy Superstore (whoever they are). Good that the building is not being left unoccupied for very long.

From the News and Star

Builders move in to turn Carlisle's former Homebase into a B&M and Smyths Toy Superstore

A MAJOR revamp of Carlisle’s former Homebase store is underway.

The retailer shut up before Christmas after nearly two decades in the city.

However, not one but two new stores are set to take its place.

Builders have moved in to the site at Kingstown, and have begun stripping back the exterior of the store.

The extensive renovation will see popular household chain B&M move in to one half of the building, with Smyths Toy Superstore taking up residency next in the other half.
Full story at https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/...es-former-homebase-b-m-smyths-toy-superstore/
 
#403 ·
This from the News & Star,--


Cockermouth's town centre Aldi set to re-open soon


Aldi will close its doors tonight as it undergoes a makeover.

The store on Low Road, Cockermouth, will be re-open to customers from February 27 at 8am.

The transformation is part of Aldi’s £300m investment into improving its stores across the UK, and offers increased space for fresh British meat and fish, an improved Food to Go section, and plenty of award-winning beers, wines and spirits.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/18246658.cockermouths-town-centre-aldi-set-re-open-soon/
 
#404 ·
This from the News & Star,--


Dreams bed store closes city centre shop and relocates to bigger premises


A RETAILER has shut up shop in Carlisle city centre and has moved to a bigger premises.

The Dreams store on at Byron House in The Maltings on Shaddongate closed to customers last Friday, February 14.

Since its closure at the end of last week, staff have been busy moving across the city to a new store.

Fortunately for shoppers, the trip isn't too far away.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/...s-city-centre-shop-relocates-bigger-premises/
 
#406 ·
This from the News & Star,--


Shock as major retailer prepares to shut shop


Fears are held for the future of Whitehaven’s town centre after shock news that the town’s most high profile shop is to close.

It is understood that Dorothy Perkins will close next month, although, despite several attempts to contact the company, no official comment has yet been given.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/18269782.shock-major-retailer-prepares-shut-shop/
 
#407 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,--


Traders worried for future of Kendal Market


MARKET traders have hit out at the council’s plans for privatisation.

A competitive tender process is under way allowing companies to apply to run Kendal Market on behalf of the council but stallholders are worried about a lack of clarity on their future.

Trader Graham Thorpe, 63, said: “There are lots of rumours circulating but no one is telling us anything.

Read more https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/18271507.traders-worried-future-kendal-market/
 
#408 ·
This from the News & Star,---


Covid-19 forces Laura Ashley into administration


Fashion chain Laura Ashley has filed for administration, putting up to 2,700 jobs at risk, after rescue talks were halted by the coronavirus outbreak.

The troubled retailer, which has stores in Workington, Carlisle and Kendal, had been in talks with stakeholders over refinancing, but it said its revised cash flow forecasts and increased uncertainty mean it will not be able to secure these funds in sufficient time.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/18311587.covid-19-forces-laura-ashley-administration/
 
#409 ·
All three of the Laura Ashley stores in Cumbria are to close, even though the administrator is trying to save the company and keep some stores open :(.

From the News & Star

Laura Ashley’s three Cumbrian stores will close for good as the ailing retailer’s administrators step up efforts to find a buyer.

Its stores in Carlisle, Workington and Kendal were all included in the list of 70 across the UK that will close permanently putting 721 jobs at risk.

The fashion and furnishings retailer slid into administration earlier this month after last ditch efforts to secure cash from lenders, investors and stakeholders proved fruitless.
Full story at Laura Ashley’s Cumbrian stores to close for good
 
#410 ·
All three of the Laura Ashley stores in Cumbria are to close, even though the administrator is trying to save the company and keep some stores open :(.

From the News & Star

Laura Ashley’s three Cumbrian stores will close for good as the ailing retailer’s administrators step up efforts to find a buyer.

Its stores in Carlisle, Workington and Kendal were all included in the list of 70 across the UK that will close permanently putting 721 jobs at risk.

The fashion and furnishings retailer slid into administration earlier this month after last ditch efforts to secure cash from lenders, investors and stakeholders proved fruitless.
Full story at Laura Ashley’s Cumbrian stores to close for good
 
#412 ·
This from the News & Star,--


Poundland to close 32 stores due to coronavirus


Poundland is to temporarily close three Cumbrian stores as it responds to the coronavirus pandemic.

The store on High Street in Whitehaven; on Scotch Street in Carlisle and on Hindpool Retail Park in Barrow part of 32 stores which closed its doors today.

Staff at the affected stores are to be asked to voluntarily agree to be furloughed, receiving 80 per cent of average earnings in line with the Government's Jobs Retention Scheme.

Read more Poundland to close three Cumbrian stores due to coronavirus
 
#411 ·
This from the News & Star,--


Poundland to close 32 stores due to coronavirus


Poundland is to temporarily close three Cumbrian stores as it responds to the coronavirus pandemic.

The store on High Street in Whitehaven; on Scotch Street in Carlisle and on Hindpool Retail Park in Barrow part of 32 stores which closed its doors today.

Staff at the affected stores are to be asked to voluntarily agree to be furloughed, receiving 80 per cent of average earnings in line with the Government's Jobs Retention Scheme.

Read more Poundland to close three Cumbrian stores due to coronavirus
 
Top