High Chelmer set to be extended (From Chelmsford Weekly News)

High Chelmer set to be extended

7:30am Friday 15th February 2013 in News

MORE shopping space is coming to Chelmsford High Street as part of extension plans for a busy shopping centre.

Chelmsford City Council has green-lighted proposals from bosses at High Chelmer Shopping Centre to build an extension to the west section.

The plans will add 3,000 to 5,000sq ft of retail space to four units along with new toilet facilities and a two-storey facade looking out to Bellmead.

Centre manager Mick McDonagh said the extra room for shops will help with enticing businesses to the city, adding the proposals are based on what the market is set to move towards.

Mr McDonagh said: “We are looking forward to deliver the extra retail space for the centre of Chelmsford.

“The main reason why we are redeveloping this part of the centre is because of how we anticipate what the retail market will look like in the future.

“Businesses seem to be focusing more on larger stores which is something this extension will give.”

He went on to say the centre has received interest in filling the unit formerly used by JJB Sports, which closed down in October, although there is no indication when a new business will move in.

“Recently we’ve had some interest in the former JJB unit, though at the moment we’re still going through the details of these,” Mr McDonagh said.

Neil Gulliver, councillor responsible for planning and economic development, said the plans will help boost the city centre and attract businesses in.

Mr Gulliver said: “Shops who are doing well seem to be doing so because they have a certain sized store which is moving up into larger stores.

“It is important we make sure the right types of shop units are available in terms of size, so we must ensure the shops in town are meeting demands.”