A computer generated image issued by the John Lewis Partnership for the front elevation of their proposed Newbury Store.
Confirmation of a John Lewis “At Home” store for Newbury (as originally revealed by newbury.net 29th March 2010) has been greeted as a major vote of confidence in the town by West Berkshire’s Chief Executive, Nick Carter. In a press release from the John Lewis Partnership, he is quoted as saying 'This is great news for West Berkshire. When we started the Parkway project we hoped that big names would be attracted to the scheme, so this announcement from John Lewis is perfect. Their arrival represents another milestone in Newbury's development, a major vote of confidence in the town and the springboard for further economic success.'
John Lewis has committed to investing £8 million in Newbury which will boost local employment with the creation of around 160 new jobs. Focusing on furniture, furnishing accessories, electrical and home technology, John Lewis at home Newbury will trade from two levels totalling 40,000 sq ft.
Andy Street, Managing Director, John Lewis, said: 'We continue to believe that there is a strong opportunity to grow our business in the home and electricals sector and are delighted to be bringing a John Lewis at home to Newbury town centre. Although there are a number of John Lewis department stores within an hour's drive of Newbury, research has shown that customers would prefer greater convenience and ease of access to our inspiring products, great value and exceptional service, which our town centre 'at home' shop will provide.'
The John Lewis at home concept successfully launched in Poole in October 2009. Three further shops opened in 2010 in Croydon, Swindon and Tunbridge Wells.
To allow customers to access and order a wider John Lewis assortment from johnlewis.com, customer online ordering points will be located throughout John Lewis at home in Newbury and customers will also be able to use the free John Lewis Click and Collect service.
Tim Harrison, head of format development, John Lewis, added: 'The success of existing John Lewis at home shops has demonstrated that a smaller format works and has given us the confidence to continue to extend our reach. The Parkway development in Newbury is a good fit for us in terms of location and catchment and is a great opportunity to bring our 'at home' format to Berkshire, providing customers with a broader and more convenient shopping offer.'
The Parkway development, opening in October this year (2011), is a 475,000 sq ft mixed-use scheme being developed by Standard Life Investments. One of the only three new shopping centres scheduled to open in the UK in 2011, Parkway will deliver 295,000 sq ft of shops and restaurants, a 550 space shopper car park, and 147 stylish new apartments.
James Stevens, Head of UK Development at Standard Life Investments, said: 'We are delighted to welcome John Lewis at home to Parkway. This is the culmination of months of hard work with all our stakeholders to bring this fantastic new addition to our list of shops. This is a great vote of confidence for Parkway and Newbury and we look forward to welcoming even more top quality shops to the scheme in the coming months.'
This is a great vote of confidence for Parkway and Newbury and we look forward to welcoming even more top quality shops to the scheme in the coming months.'
I wonder how much more open space will be conceded to achieve that?
Those steps look pretty steep, hope they're not the only way into that end of Parkway.
Should be interesting when someone drives their motobility scooter down them. May even be a bit of a struggle for mum loaded with furniture or other goods from said shop, negotiating her pushchair and two other toddlers down them.
Am I the only person who does not want more generic big name clone businesses in Newbury?
What I wish for most. Is some sort of drive or incentive to encourage the proliferation of unique independent businesses. Newbury needs unique content to make a trip in more worthwhile. Than just being an identical copy of every other town center within range.
Now that JL are "investing £8m in Newbury, maybe Standard Life can now afford the extra £2m they squeezed out of WBC for those promised town improvements.
Am I the only person who does not want more generic big name clone businesses in Newbury?
What I wish for most. Is some sort of drive or incentive to encourage the proliferation of unique independent businesses. Newbury needs unique content to make a trip in more worthwhile. Than just being an identical copy of every other town center within range.
There are some great unique local businesses in Newbury. Barry Forkin, Nature's Corner, Torr's Boutique, Roderick Anthony, Griffins, the list goes on.
The trouble with some independent traders is they're hobbyists trying to make money out of doing what they love, with little business sense or experience of running a shop.
There are some great unique local businesses in Newbury. Barry Forkin, Nature's Corner, Torr's Boutique, Roderick Anthony, Griffins, the list goes on.
The trouble with some independent traders is they're hobbyists trying to make money out of doing what they love, with little business sense or experience of running a shop.
If they weren't hobbyists they'd be greedy gits looking to profit out of us?
There are some great unique local businesses in Newbury. Barry Forkin, Nature's Corner, Torr's Boutique, Roderick Anthony, Griffins, the list goes on.
The trouble with some independent traders is they're hobbyists trying to make money out of doing what they love, with little business sense or experience of running a shop.
The "trouble" with independent traders is they don't get payouts/sweeteners etc etc like the "big boys". As for having little business sense - you know nothing (for example) of my "business sense" or financial situation whatsoever so don't see how you can make that remark ? Furthermore just because someone on the high street is perceived as being successful - it doesn't mean they are - look at Woolies for example - who would have thought it ? I also know of one particular independent trader in Newbury who has been here a fair while and appears to be a success - however, if you dig deeper they have actually been in receivership twice and changed "directors" - think "phoenix from the flames" is the expression. I think we would all be "successful" if we wrote off our debts when it suited don't you ?
The trouble with some independent traders is they're hobbyists trying to make money out of doing what they love, with little business sense or experience of running a shop.
I could see that as being possible, but I'd like to see your evidence to support this.
The trouble with some independent traders is they're hobbyists trying to make money out of doing what they love, with little business sense or experience of running a shop.
Would you care to go into an independent Bakery in Cheap Street & explain that to the proprietor. Just let me know when you are going so i can come & watch !!
Am I the only person who does not want more generic big name clone businesses in Newbury?
What I wish for most. Is some sort of drive or incentive to encourage the proliferation of unique independent businesses. Newbury needs unique content to make a trip in more worthwhile. Than just being an identical copy of every other town center within range.
There will need to be a sesmic shift in the cost of renting retail space in Newbury for this to happen.
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