Shoppers have shared their visions for the future of a site which will soon be vacated by a major retailer. Health and beauty giant Boots issued a statement in June confirming their store on Commercial Road, Bulwell, will close in August 2022, in a step the company labelled "unfortunate"
The upcoming shutdown has added to a string of closures in Bulwell, with small business Budget Wise and bank NatWest having recently shut for good. Locals said they wanted something to 'draw people in' to the town, with some suggesting there was a need for 'something different' in the town's high-street.
John Wright and Beryl Wright, both in their 80s and from Bulwell, thought the town had been "neglected". "Well we don't need any more charity shops here. Something that will bring something different." Mr Wright said.
Read more: Hopes for 'something different' to replace closed down Argos in Bulwell
"It's very neglected now on the high street. It used to be so much busier.
Mrs Wright added: "There's no where really where you can get fresh food on the high street. Maybe we need another little Tesco or Sainsbury's
"There's a lot the town needs more of, a lot of shops have gone. It would probably make a good clothes shop."
Danial Hayman, 22, who studies chemistry at Nottingham Trent University and lives in Basford, said: "Boots has been here for years. I think it would make sense to split it into different shops as it's a big space.
"We could do with more places to eat in town, there's only Greggs or Birds really, maybe we could have someone like Subway and McDonalds. We need something that will draw people in.
"Maybe you could just make it one big café. There's not a lot of proper places to eat in the town."
Tom Tukin, 71, a retiree who lives in Bulwell, said: "I think it will probably be end up as accommodation , as that's what always happens now. I'd just like Boots to stay there but we know that's not happening.
"All you seem to see now is barber shops, or similar shops. Then people stop coming into town and it gets even worse.
"We need investment. In an ideal world you'd have something for entertainment here like a nightclub or something - but that's not going to happen.
People previously said the loss would make Bulwell a 'dead town'. Nottingham City Council in June confirmed a bid could be made for funds from the Government's Levelling Up fund in order to invest in the town.
There had been rumours in February that the shop was going to close. However, at the time, Nottinghamshire Live was told there would only be a slight reduction of hours at the branch.
Nottingham-based Boots said they had not taken the decision lightly. A Boots UK spokesperson said: "At Boots UK, we continually review our store locations to make sure they are where our customers need us most. It is never a decision we take lightly when looking to close a store.
"Unfortunately we have taken the decision to close the store on Commercial Road in Bulwell and can confirm the store will be closing in August 2022. Our stores at Bestwood Park and Aspley Lane will remain open and will continue to offer pharmacy services to our customers."
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