Give people 'reasons to spend time' on High Street

29 minutes ago

Federica BedendoNorth East and Cumbria

Marks & Spencer plans to move out of Workington town centre

Google A Google Streetview of Pow Street in Workington, with Marks & Spencer on the right hand side and other shops opposite. Marks & Spencer is on the ground floor of a red-brick building, with a white sign with dark lettering above glass sliding doors. Above the shop, the first floor is two blocks sitting at an angle to the ground floor canopy. They are made of brick with the centre of each block containing a single window between two large white cladding sections. These look like they might be flats rather than retail. Closer to the point the picture is taken, the first floor loses the angled design and runs parallel to the street below. An adult and child are walking past M&S, but the street is much busier in the distance. — Marks & Spencer plans to move out of Workington town centre

An MP has called for ideas to boost a town centre hit by the planned departure of its Marks & Spencer (M&S) store.

Labour's Josh MacAlister claimed the decision by M&S to shut its Pow Street shop and relocate to Derwent Drive was a "vote of confidence" in Workington, but Mark Fryer, leader of Labour-controlled Cumberland Council, called it a disappointment.

MacAlister, who has launched a survey asking residents what would encourage them to visit Workington town centre, urged others not to talk the area down and said people just needed "reasons to spend time" there.

Workington has received about £30m in government funding to spend on its town centre, transport links and a new sports village.

"We need to think seriously about what will bring people into the town centre in future and give them reasons to spend time there," MacAlister said.

"We shouldn't talk Workington down, there is a lot to be positive about and substantial investment has already gone into the town.

"But we also shouldn't be complacent about the challenges facing the high street."

Josh MacAlister said he wanted residents to help shape the future of Workington

Josh MacAlister MP is standing on Whitehaven Harbour with boats and the marina behind him. He is wearing a navy blue suit and white shirt with an open collar. — Josh MacAlister said he wanted residents to help shape the future of Workington

Council leader Fryer, said: "We have been in discussion with M&S for over a year and I am personally disappointed at their decision to move away from the high street.

"If the site ends up empty, we will work with the owners of the building to get it reoccupied as soon as possible."

MacAlister said the new M&S at a retail park on the edge of Workington would create 20 jobs on top of existing staff being moved to the new food hall.

However, he said changing shopping habits meant a conversation was needed on the future of Workington town centre.

In addition to the online survey, he said he would be working with the council and businesses to gather views and put together a plan.

He said: "We should be ambitious about that future: welcoming major new investment like this while making sure the heart of the town continues to thrive."

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