A company heading up the regeneration of Droylsden has outlined its vision for how the town’s shopping centre can succeed – and it’s not through becoming dominated by bars.
New-Era Properties owns both the Droylsden and Greenside shopping centres, having taken over the parade off Market Street in 2019.
Since then there has been a £100k refurbishment of two of its main units facing onto Villemomble Square, and planning permission was granted by Tameside council for new food and drink venues in the centre.
New-Era Properties stated in 2019 it was looking to invest ‘substantial sums’ across the site over the next five years.
Speaking at a town hall meeting, Patrick Franks, the company’s head of property, said that they are aiming to attract a food store operator into the town centre as a ‘critical early step’ which will act as a ‘catalyst’ for wider regeneration.
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“Since 2019 our investment has already brought forward new food and drink operators, a large modern dental practice and further tenants are making enquiries,” he said.
“Getting the town centre right will enhance the perception of the wider town and thereby stimulate delivery of high quality regeneration in the immediate surrounding areas.
“We are seeking to get control back of the NatWest Bank unit which has been empty for many years, and is actually subject to lease to NatWest for another 50 years.
“We have had an inordinate number of applications for bars in the centre and we are hoping that in securing a food store, we want this town centre to remain an all-day centre.
“So we’ve refused or failed to act on a lot of bar operators and at the moment I’m talking to conventional retailers, etc, with a view to actually keeping this centre open all day with traditional retail.”
Mr Franks added: “Droylsden is unique in having a fantastic catchment within walking distance and new sites coming all the time.
“If we give up on retail at this stage we’re going to be faced with a situation; if we allow the facilities to go first then build the housing, where are the facilities for that housing that’s coming on-line now?”
His comments come as a developer has been lined up to build homes on the site of the former Droylsden Library, which closed its doors for the final time last August after 84 years, and has now been demolished.
The local authority secured £800,000 in Brownfield Homes Funding towards the redevelopment of both the old library and the Lock Keepers, which are to be sold as one site, as well as the relocation of the library to Guardsman Tony Downes House last September.
Watkin Jones is expected to complete a deal to buy the former Droylsden Library site and the Lock Keepers land.
The company already owns access to the former library site and the Lock Keepers, as well as two adjacent sites.
“Having known the town for many years I passionately believe it has all the basic building blocks and opportunities that with good joint public-private stewardship, will deliver transformational change,” Mr Franks said.
“With appropriate support Droylsden will become a modern sustainable town centre at the heart of its vibrant community.
“Since our acquisition we have been faced with a global pandemic yet have continued to formulate our plans for improving the town centre and to develop a wider vision.
“Our vision seeks to reinforce the town centre as a first choice local shopping and leisure destination for the surrounding community.”
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