Hopes have been expressed over the transformation of an 'empty' city area set to gain a big name fashion brand. Lister Gate in Nottingham city centre has been left barren after a series of shop closures, including Marks & Spencer Home, Boots, Shoe Zone, and WH Smith.
But now fashion retailer Flannels, owned by Mike Ashley's Frasers Group, will move into the former River Island unit which was vacated last year, if new plans are approved by Nottingham City Council. The luxury clothing brand, which already has a branch in Bridlesmith Gate, sells designer brands for men, women and children, including Stone Island sweatshirts which typically cost around £200 and Balenciaga trainers for more than £600.
The shutters coming down on so many businesses in Lister Gate has been attributed to Covid and the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre's closure after the collapse of retail giant intu in 2020. But now with Covid's impact lessened and the redevelopment of the wider Broad Marsh site moving forward, some people have suggested the arrival of the high-end clothes store could mark the start of the area's revival.
