Yorkshire Street shop owners remain upbeat

Yorkshire Street, for shopping feature. .'Scoots, Suits and Boots' owner Mick Harwood

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RETAILERS say the decision by Marks and Spencer not to open a store at the Princes Gate development in Mumps is disappointing - but not a disaster.

While agreeing an M&S department store would have been a big draw, they believe there are plenty of other ways to enhance Oldham town centre with a mix of developments.

Some want another big retailer in the Mumps area while others think new homes would be better, with new residents encouraging smaller independent shops to open. They all say other developments such as the Odeon and the Independent Quarter are bringing important improvements.

Mick Harwood is the owner of Scoots, Suits & Boots clothing shop on Yorkshire Street.

A Pride in Oldham award-winner and Oldham Business Awards finalist, he said: "When we first opened the shop we knew about plans for a retail development in the Mumps area but nothing specific about individual retailers. So M&S was not the reason we came here.

"The retail element planned for the Mumps area was a factor but there were other factors too, such as the development of the town centre's Independent Quarter.

"I would have thought Oldham Council will have some alternative plans now that M&S have pulled-out. It would be good to get some kind of development at that end of Yorkshire Street to boost footfall.

"But I don't think it needs to be a purely retail development. It could be a mix of leisure, entertainment and housing.

"I'd like to see the Independent Quarter develop as an urban village with more people living in the area. That would then encourage other businesses such as greengrocers, butchers or florists. I think more houses would be better. A different plan for Princes Gate could turn out to be a better development in the long term."

Disappointment

Maggie Hughes, from Zutti clothing retailer, said: "We are genuinely sad that the M&S store is not happening. It would have brought lots of extra visitors to the area and this end of Yorkshire Street. So it's a disappointment.

"However, we have been trading here for 30 years and we have a very good, loyal customer base. We've been through all sorts of times, ups and downs, but we've ridden through it all.

"Just because M&S is not opening a store at Prince's Gates does not mean that business on Yorkshire Street is going to end. Shops and businesses on Yorkshire Street and Union Street work hard, provide great service and have developed good customers. Independent retailers still have plenty to offer Oldham town centre. I'm sure that will continue and we remain positive despite this setback.

"I would like to see some sort of leisure facility such as a bowling alley."

Jenny Wood, owner of the Illumina salon, said: "The decision by M&S is very disappointing. My customers talked about it on a daily basis but lately they had began doubting it would happen. They still want to see a big clothing and fashion retailer at that end of Yorkshire Street, rather than a development of new homes."

TOMORROW

More questions than answers - what lies ahead for Oldham's regeneration.