The landlord of a huge empty shop unit in Swansea city centre is offering to rent it out to the next occupier for FREE for six months. The two-storey unit at nos. 2-3 Oxford Street, which used to be filled by Sports Direct until the store moved to Parc Tawe in July, is up for let with Star Pacific - who have erected signage to advertise their offer of "6 months' rent free" to whoever takes the unit on.
The loss of Sports Direct has left a gaping hole on Oxford Street, whilst the recent closure of Next on the other side of the street has also been felt by shoppers and people who work in the city centre. Whilst Sports Direct fans won't have far to travel from the old unit to the new one at Parc Tawe, Next shoppers have quite a way to travel out of the city centre to Swansea's only remaining Next store, in Morfa Shopping Park.
The full signage on the former Sports Direct store reads: "TO LET: 7011 Square Feet Ground Floor. 6 Months' Rent Free. Tel: 07826925511, 07719303331. Email: jay@starpacific.co.uk" It's not yet known whether any businesses have enquired with Star Pacific about the offer or are looking to take it up. To get the latest WalesOnline newsletters emailed to you directly for free click here.
Read more: I tried the new axe-throwing venue in Swansea city centre and I can't wait to go back again
Meanwhile the former Next unit, at nos. 266-267 Oxford Street, is up for let with property consultants ejhales for £80,000 per annum. The listing on the consultants' website explains: " 266-267 Oxford Street, Swansea SA1 3BS. Prime Ground Floor Shop Unit - To Let: o ccupying a prime trading location on Oxford Street, this property comprises ground floor sales with ancillary accommodation and is available by way of a new effectively full repairing and insuring lease for a term of 10 years with an upward only rent review at the end of the fifth year, at a rent of £80,000 per annum exclusive. Service charge figure to be confirmed."
There is some good news, however, as there is a shop occupying the former Topshop unit, which became vacant when the chain went under. In April, the large corner unit was filled by "Lime," understood to be an independent clothing store, which is still operating
Where can I find Sports Direct now the Oxford Street store has closed
Following the closure of the Oxford Street store, there are still two other Sports Direct stores in Swansea: one at Morfa Shopping Park and one on Parc Tawe. The retailer mostly stocks sports gear like gymwear and football and rugby tops, trainers and sports shoes, clothes, sports accessories, clubs, rackets and balls, but also stocks clothing from well-known brands like Adidas, Nike, Puma and Lonsdale. The Sports Direct store at Parc Tawe also houses Game, which left Swansea City Centre a few months ago, and Evans Cycles.
As well as Sports Direct, Parc Tawe is also home to a Barnardo's "charity superstore", B&M bargain shop, India India restaurant, Denny's diner, Tenpin bowling alley, Treatz dessert store, Flashpoint climbing centre and Ninja Warrior assault course centre, to name a few of the many businesses at the retail park.
Where can I find Next now the Oxford Street store has closed
Many shoppers were gutted when Next announced it would be leaving Swansea city centre, but fortunately we do still have a store in Swansea: at Morfa Shopping Park. The store is open from 9am to 8pm weekdays, 9am to 7pm on Saturdays and from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays.
READ NEXT
A huge charity superstore has opened at Swansea's Parc Tawe
Summer events in Swansea 2022: Activities near me during the school holiday
The disappeared Swansea cafés and restaurants we miss the most
Energy bill calculator: Work out how much your gas and electricity bills will increase this winter
