The Kennet Shopping Centre has filed a letter to support the construction of a third anchor store in the Parkway complex.

In the letter, the Kennet Centre manager Mag Williams states that the construction of the new store would contribute positively to the future of Parkway, attracting the retailers that Newbury needs and prevent the local populace using their cars to travel to other towns.

She goes on to say that “Despite the current climate demand still remains for larger retail space that Newbury town centre currently lacks. This is demonstrated by the recently refreshed popularity of the larger units at the retail park”

The construction of the third anchor store would mean the loss of the proposed open space known as Victoria Square.  Mrs Williams indicates in her letter that this would have little or no impact on the scheme or its visitors.

Finally she states that “The reduction in parking should easily be afforded as other nearby car parks will be more utilised, especially as the proposed digital car park signage will be operating”

The Parkway shopping scheme is due to open in the autumn of 2011, although planning permission for this variation will not be decided until early 2011. Newbury.net understands that even if planning permission is approved that this part of the scheme would not be completed until early 2012. A John Lewis Homestore is believed to be the favoured occupant for this new unit.

Why does this remind me of Turkeys voting for Christmas?


Threep.

Peculiar letter of support. Just appears as a blank screen on my computer.

Has it been censored or do I have a problem on my computer?

Quoted from Archie

Peculiar letter of support. Just appears as a blank screen on my computer.

Has it been censored or do I have a problem on my computer?

Same here.

Quoted from Archie

Peculiar letter of support. Just appears as a blank screen on my computer.

Has it been censored or do I have a problem on my computer?

Perhaps they haven't got anything to say hence the blank sheet.
I must say that when House of Fraser objected, I thought they might be looking at KS when Debenhams moved out but if KS are actually sending a letter of support, that's a bad guess. Unlike Camp Hopson who just made a press statement, KS, if the council get it together and there really is a letter of support it's, as Threep said, "Turkeys voting for Christmas".

The objection from NTC and others, is not anti John Lewis, but an objection to the gross facade that will replace Victoria square which was always promoted by SLI and WBC as an oasis for shoppers and was designed to attempt to integrate the whole thing with the town ethos and link across to Victoria Park. So, I can't wait to read their letter of support.

While we are talking about letters on the subject, there is a scan of the header sheet from Newbury Town Council which asks for an S106 payment. " A reasonable s106 contribution" for Victoria Park, should planning permission be granted. Fair enough one would think as the loss of the community area might put more pressure on the park.

What have WBC asked for.... An S106 payment of £2,245 for libraries in West Berks. Now what is that all about. Perhaps people who use John Lewis are avid library users. No mention of the request from the towm council. Just an attempt by WBC to make a bob or two to bolster the S106 pot with almost certainly no intention of spending it.

Quoted from Administrator

The Kennet Shopping Centre has filed a letter to support the construction of a third anchor store in the Parkway complex.

In the letter, the Kennet Centre manager Mag Williams states that the construction of the new store would contribute positively to the future of Parkway, attracting the retailers that Newbury needs and prevent the local populace using their cars to travel to other towns.

She goes on to say that “Despite the current climate demand still remains for larger retail space that Newbury town centre currently lacks. This is demonstrated by the recently refreshed popularity of the larger units at the retail park”

The construction of the third anchor store would mean the loss of the proposed open space known as Victoria Square.  Mrs Williams indicates in her letter that this would have little or no impact on the scheme or its visitors.

Finally she states that “The reduction in parking should easily be afforded as other nearby car parks will be more utilised, especially as the proposed digital car park signage will be operating”

The Parkway shopping scheme is due to open in the autumn of 2011, although planning permission for this variation will not be decided until early 2011. Newbury.net understands that even if planning permission is approved that this part of the scheme would not be completed until early 2012. A John Lewis Homestore is believed to be the favoured occupant for this new unit.

There still appears to be a problem on the West Berks web site. Perhaps we need user23 to investigate.

Quoted from Administrator

There still appears to be a problem on the West Berks web site. Perhaps we need user23 to investigate.

It rather looks as if the whole of the West Berks website has gone "tits up". Has this got anything to do with Wicky Leaks?

Does this tie in with the other thread about a new ParkWay centre manager perchance?  

Why would KC support Parkway when it's pretty certainly going to kill off any business there? Unless Parkway doesn't work and they both end up empty...

Quoted from skyfairy

Why would KC support Parkway when it's pretty certainly going to kill off any business there? Unless Parkway doesn't work and they both end up empty...

Because they realise that the lettings so far are just "shuffling the pack". For the Parkway project to succeed, there has to be a new "Major" retailer in town. The John Lewis Homestore concept is regenerating the town centre retail trade throughout the country. Parkway desperately needs John Lewis or it will become a white elephant. There are several major retailers hesitating to sign up until the outcome of the planning application is known.

If Parkway thrives, then the rest of the town (including the Kennet Centre) will thrive. Kennet Centre are not sitting back waiting for the inevitable, they are looking at several options for the future, but they need the extra footfall in town which John Lewis will bring.

(Under normal circumstances I would not be in favour of the planning application, but Newbury desperately needs John Lewis)

Quoted from BrianB

If Parkway thrives, then the rest of the town (including the Kennet Centre) will thrive. Kennet Centre are not sitting back waiting for the inevitable, they are looking at several options for the future, but they need the extra footfall in town which John Lewis will bring.

Would it be true to say you think that Newbury's traders should support Parkway?

Quoted from user23.3

Would it be true to say you think that Newbury's traders should support Parkway?

Like I said, if Parkway thrives, then the rest of the town will thrive. At the moment, with one or two exceptions, most of the tenants for Parkway are just moving from other parts of the town. Even Northbrook Street is going to suffer as things currently stand.

Quoted from BrianB

(Under normal circumstances I would not be in favour of the planning application, but Newbury desperately needs John Lewis)

This is the attitude that got us the dreadful cinema design.  If Parkway wants John Lewis then they sould come up with a solution that does not take over the open space and parking and that fits into the development more sympathetically.  

I just don't think that this was quite the right time to built Parkway (if it had to be built at all). Considering we can't afford to keep day care centres open, I don't think we can afford this. It not definite that the whole town will thrive if Parkway works, it might just take all the attention up there. Why do we need a John Lewis in Newbury?