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Major boost for town centre shoppers

Barbara Canning
31/ 1/2003

SHOPPING in Glossop could be on its way up after a £2m investment was earmarked for the town centre.

Derelict land could be transformed into Glossop's newest retail outlet after a Manchester developer put forward plans for extra shops and the town's first drive through restaurant.

Richard McGawley, who is director of Modus Properties Ltd, said plans for the site are still in the early stages. But, if the application is approved, shoppers could see a mix of fashion, homewares and video stores on the Glossop Brook Road site - as well as the drive through restaurant.

He said because the 1.9 acre site is opposite the Tesco store they are not looking to have any convenience stores or supermarkets as tenants.

"Once we've got planning permission we will contact the national retailers and drive through operators and then that will decide how we split the units, and who will be going in them," he said.

He said once the re-development works at Wren's Nest Mill are completed, the area should prove popular with shoppers and visitors to the area.

"The site has been available for some considerable time now and with the property scheme at Wren Nest Mill, which will add to the shopping facilities in Glossop, we feel this is probably the main place in Glossop plus it is a very prominent site and easily accessible," he added.

But Glossop councillor Anthony McKeown fears that another retail development may spoil the area.

"I think people will be more concerned about losing green space because it's the last bit near the high street and with the plans to do up Wren Nest Mill and everything else going on it might be too much in one area," he said. "I would have to know more details before I commented further, but I think the main problem is that this is the last bit of green we have up and down the high street so I do have reservations."

Plans for the development can be found at the municipal buildings in Glossop and they are expected to be put before the committee in mid-March.