Parkway, Newbury’s stunning new shopping centre, opens in just one week on 27 October and after much anticipation, the centre has revealed the exciting line up of entertainment in store for shoppers during the grand opening weekend.  

Newbury shoppers are invited to join in the exciting celebrations on the day, as they kick off at 10.30am from Market Square with the Parkway ‘Jack is Back’ Parade - a fanfare procession through the streets led by the town’s very own Jack of Newbury.

Alongside Jack will be children from Speenhamland primary school and a host of street entertainers, including medieval jesters and jugglers, stilt-walkers, giant puppets and many more. Providing the musical accompaniment will be traditional medieval sextet ‘City Waites’.

The parade culminates at Parkway’s Middle Street at 10.50am, when Jack will take centre stage as he unveils his new outfit, designed by Mia Eldridge - winner of the of the ‘Jack is Back’ children’s art competition at Speenhamland Primary school.

Throughout the day there will plenty of live entertainment and performances for all the family to enjoy, including mime artists, street magicians, living statues, as well as the mesmerizing Dance Fantastique and visually striking Acro-Balance, not to mention the eccentric shopper Lady Margo - entertaining the queues with her comical and unusual shopping habits. The acclaimed Watership Brass, as well as lively vocal choir ‘Sing 4 Fun’ will also perform.

Eager shoppers will be able to get a taste of the action from 11.00am, when Parkway’s fabulous array of top high street names will open their doors, including Superdry, Topshop, H&M, Lakeland, Jigsaw, Argento and Hotel Chocolat, as well as anchors Debenhams and M&S.

To celebrate the opening there will be a fantastic range of offers and giveaways throughout the centre. At H&M the first 100 customers will receive gift cards to spend in the new store, ranging in value from £5 - £50, and at stunning jewellery store Argento, customers can enjoy 10% off a wide range of accessories.

There’s also a great collection of prizes to be won online with Parkway’s ‘Check in & Win’ campaign. Shoppers can simply ‘Check In’ and say ‘Hello Parkway’ now at the Parkway Facebook location to be in with a chance of winning some of the top prizes.

The party celebrations will continue throughout the opening weekend with more entertainment on Friday and Saturday, and on Halloween Sunday, Parkway will be alive – or undead - with spook-tacular performers and eerie entertainers, as well as the Halloween Hullabaloo in association with The Corn Exchange, Newbury.

Visit the Parkway Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/shopatparkway or the Parkway website at http://www.shopatparkway.com for more details.

Quoted from Administrator

Parkway’s fabulous array of top high street names will open their doors, including Superdry, Topshop, H&M, Lakeland, Jigsaw, Argento and Hotel Chocolat,

Sorry? Did you say fabulous?


Threep.

Will Parkway really benefit the rest of Newbury?

Once you have parked your car in the wonderful new overpriced car park and wandered round the massive selection of designer shops, will you want to explore the narrow little alleyway called Marsh Lane that leads onto Northbrook Street, or will you want to get back into your car and join the rest of the queue trying to get into the Retail Park in Pinchington Lane. Perhaps you will bypass the lot and head for Festival Place in Basingstoke.

I'm sorry, but from what I have seen so far in the way of publicity, I am not enthused.

Quoted from Archie

Once you have parked your car in the wonderful new overpriced car park and wandered round the massive selection of designer shops, will you want to explore the narrow little alleyway called Marsh Lane that leads onto Northbrook Street,

Here's a picture of the main exit on to Northbrook Street

Not sure why you seem to think that Marsh Lane was the only exit, but I'm glad I can educate you otherwise.

Quoted from user23.3

Not sure why you seem to think that Marsh Lane was the only exit, but I'm glad I can educate you otherwise.

Ah yes! I forgot about that entrance at the FAR end of Northbrook Street. Very convenient I suppose for Mcdonalds. Now we know how the modern shopper likes to park 5 yards away from the shop they are visiting. Do you think that they will be prepared to walk to the other end to shop in Boots and Camp Hopson? No I think that they will probably use Marsh Lane or not bother at all.

Incidentally I think that all of the social housing (if there is going to be any) will all be located at the East Street entrance. I am sure that a few of Newbury's scumbags soon will lower the tone of the place once they get relocated.

Quoted from Archie

Incidentally I think that all of the social housing (if there is going to be any) will all be located at the East Street entrance. I am sure that a few of Newbury's scumbags soon will lower the tone of the place once they get relocated.

Admin, this needs removing.

Not everyone in social housing is a scumbag.

Quoted from Archie

Ah yes! I forgot about that entrance at the FAR end of Northbrook Street. Very convenient I suppose for Mcdonalds. Now we know how the modern shopper likes to park 5 yards away from the shop they are visiting. Do you think that they will be prepared to walk to the other end to shop in Boots and Camp Hopson? No I think that they will probably use Marsh Lane or not bother at all.

Of course you can exit over Park Way bridge, by the Waterside and through many of the shops in the area, through Victoria Park and London Road as well.

Quoted from Archie

Incidentally I think that all of the social housing (if there is going to be any) will all be located at the East Street entrance. I am sure that a few of Newbury's scumbags soon will lower the tone of the place once they get relocated.

Seems your blinkered perception is not just limited to exits from Parkway.

Good luck Parkway, we need you to be a success.

I hope it goes to hell.

Quoted from Archie

Will Parkway really benefit the rest of Newbury?

Once you have parked your car in the wonderful new overpriced car park and wandered round the massive selection of designer shops, will you want to explore the narrow little alleyway called Marsh Lane that leads onto Northbrook Street, or will you want to get back into your car and join the rest of the queue trying to get into the Retail Park in Pinchington Lane. Perhaps you will bypass the lot and head for Festival Place in Basingstoke.

I'm sorry, but from what I have seen so far in the way of publicity, I am not enthused.

Good - you can stay at home, or bugger off to Basingstoke.

Quoted from 78

Good - you can stay at home, or bugger off to Basingstoke.

What a nice response - you aren't a councillor are you per chance? - or employed by WBC? as you do seem to have the right attitude!

Quoted from richard.garvie

Good luck Parkway, we need you to be a success.

I would have thought it would have more chance of succeeding if the new shops were what was actually needed? Nothing to get me to visit that I can see. I prefer to sit at home and have it delivered rather than get wet if it is raining or freezing cold. Still Newbury has never been known as a shopping centre like Reading, Basingstoke etc so no change really. Just moving the shops from one end of Newbury to the other is not going to solve the major problems Newbury has is it?

I wonder how the rest of the retailers in town feel about drawing everyone away from the other parts of town to satisfy SLI? Hope they don't try to put too much blame on WBC or User will have to go into overdrive trying to deflect the flack?  

Quoted from Nobby

What a nice response - you aren't a councillor are you per chance? - or employed by WBC? as you do seem to have the right attitude!

Nope, not a councillor.

Quoted from Cognosco

I would have thought it would have more chance of succeeding if the new shops were what was actually needed? Nothing to get me to visit that I can see. I prefer to sit at home and have it delivered rather than get wet if it is raining or freezing cold. Still Newbury has never been known as a shopping centre like Reading, Basingstoke etc so no change really. Just moving the shops from one end of Newbury to the other is not going to solve the major problems Newbury has is it?

I wonder how the rest of the retailers in town feel about drawing everyone away from the other parts of town to satisfy SLI? Hope they don't try to put too much blame on WBC or User will have to go into overdrive trying to deflect the flack?  

what kind of shops were you hoping for?

Gilding the lily or just getting over excited.

Stunning
Exciting
Exciting
Mesmerizing
visually striking
eccentric
acclaimed
lively
fabulous
fantastic
stunning

Quoted from 78

what kind of shops were you hoping for?

Well a full blow John Lewis instead of the token At Home would have been nice, but SLI & WBC could not offer enough bunce for that, a decent menswear shop, an Apple store. But there again I would still prefer to shop online far less hassle than trying to get into Newbury during the day and I can shop 24 hours a day. No problems parking and don't get cold or wet and reduces the old carbon footprint plus far cheaper. enough said?  

Quoted from brian

Gilding the lily or just getting over excited.

Stunning
Exciting
Exciting
Mesmerizing
visually striking
eccentric
acclaimed
lively
fabulous
fantastic
stunning

All words one would not use to describe Parkway.

Quoted from blackdog

All words one would not use to describe Parkway.

Come on be fair they have to talk it up somehow. But I must admit it is a bit of gilding the lily so to speak.
But as the saying goes "You can't fool all of the people all of the time" they will rely on repeat shoppers so only time will tell?  

Quoted from user23.3

Of course you can exit over Park Way bridge, by the Waterside and through many of the shops in the area, through Victoria Park and London Road as well.Seems your blinkered perception is not just limited to exits from Parkway.

i don't understand what you are rambling on about loser23. I am talking about shoppers finding their way to the other Newbury shops once they have had a look at the pathetic offering in Parkway.

I wasn't aware that there were shops on Park Way Bridge, down by the Waterside, in Victoria Park or in the London Road.

I just hope we don't get too many wet weekends between now and Christmas. Perhaps Standard Life are already geared up with free umbrellas?

Quoted from Archie

I wasn't aware that there were shops on Park Way Bridge, down by the Waterside, in Victoria Park or in the London Road.

Marsh Lane is not the only exit from Parkway to other shops as you previously inferred.

There are shops over Park Way Bridge, by the Waterside access road, in Victoria Park (well, a cafe), in the London Road and of course outside the entrance to East Street which are all exits from Parkway.

Quoted from user23.3

Marsh Lane is not the only exit from Parkway to other shops as you previously inferred.

There are shops over Park Way Bridge, by the road down to the Waterside, in Victoria Park (well, a cafe), in the London Road and of course outside the entrance to East Street which are all exits from Parkway.

Glad to be able to keep you informed, again.

Straws and grasping come to mind here? Come on User you are definitely losing your grip the Supreme Leader is not going to be a Happy Bunny!  

I am sure that the rest of the readers/posters on this forum understand the point that I am making.

The results of the lottery bid for Victoria Park are expected by the end of October. I do hope that you and your mates in Market Street haven't scuppered the NTC bid once again by your refusal to admit that the pavilion project is dead in the water.

Quoted from Archie

I am sure that the rest of the readers/posters on this forum understand the point that I am making.

I doubt it, one's asked for your post to be removed because it was so offensive.

Not much chance of the empty units along the walkway between the Kennet Centre and the Cinema being taken now, or any of the other empties in and around the KC for that matter!

The fate of the southern end of town is sealed, I fear!

Quoted from user23.3

I doubt it, one's asked for your post to be removed because it was so offensive.

That wouldn't be a WBC staff member would it perchance?  

Quoted from LocalRes

Not much chance of the empty units along the walkway between the Kennet Centre and the Cinema being taken now, or any of the other empties in and around the KC for that matter!

The fate of the southern end of town is sealed, I fear!

Can't help but suspect this was the intention all along! Move everything north of town and leave the rest clear for redevelopment after a few months of becoming derelict and abandoned prime brownfield sites for developers? Shops unable to survive? Well we had better build flats etc keep the developers sweet that's where the money is! Nudge nudge wink wink!  

Being more accurate might not have the same breathless effect...

Boring
Unimaginative
Common-Place
Lame
Hackneyed
Lazy
Prosaic
Dull
Tedious
Mundane
Tired
Humdrum




Threep.

Quoted from Cognosco

Well a full blow John Lewis instead of the token At Home would have been nice, but SLI & WBC could not offer enough bunce for that, a decent menswear shop, an Apple store. But there again I would still prefer to shop online far less hassle than trying to get into Newbury during the day and I can shop 24 hours a day. No problems parking and don't get cold or wet and reduces the old carbon footprint plus far cheaper. enough said?  

WBC have odffered no 'bunce'.
Err, an Apple store is just about to open ( god knows why ).
Decent Menswear - you mean Badgers isn't good enough for you?
Aprt from the KC the whole of Newbury is open to the elements, so no change there then. Personally I think making PW open plan is  rather clever design.

Quoted from Archie

I just hope we don't get too many wet weekends between now and Christmas. Perhaps Standard Life are already geared up with free umbrellas?

Why would they do that? Apart from the KC the rest of Newbury is open to the elements. Camp's don't give away brollies, never have.

Quoted from LocalRes

Not much chance of the empty units along the walkway between the Kennet Centre and the Cinema being taken now, or any of the other empties in and around the KC for that matter!

The fate of the southern end of town is sealed, I fear!

The units under the cinema are too small.

Quoted from 78

The units under the cinema are too small.

So they were built  for?.....

Quoted from 78

Why would they do that? Apart from the KC the rest of Newbury is open to the elements. Camp's don't give away brollies, never have.

Perhaps that is one of the reasons shoppers do go to go to Basingstoke or Reading particularly on a wet weekend.

Do we go to Newbury and face the elements for a mediocre selection of shops? Or do we go somewhere where there is a larger selection of shops all under cover and in the case of Basingstoke. it is cheaper and more convenient to park?

You have to be a councillor Mr Lovejoy or else you work for Standard Life.

Quoted from Archie

I am sure that the rest of the readers/posters on this forum understand the point that I am making.

The results of the lottery bid for Victoria Park are expected by the end of October. I do hope that you and your mates in Market Street haven't scuppered the NTC bid once again by your refusal to admit that the pavilion project is dead in the water.

December now apparently? But you are right, I'd be very surprised if the Pavilion issue does not kill off the lottery bid...

The open air design was to allow the building of more residential units about the retail units, so clever in that it has generated more revenue. As for the cinema units, they are not too small. People like Nando's, Wagamama and the like want to be on Northbrook Street or in the Market Place according to the people I've spoken too. That may change if something suitable happens in Market Street, but with the economy that's a few years off.

Quoted from LocalRes

Not much chance of the empty units along the walkway between the Kennet Centre and the Cinema being taken now, or any of the other empties in and around the KC for that matter!

The fate of the southern end of town is sealed, I fear!

I will be visiting the KC more than I do now to go to the Debenhams Outlet shop.

Quoted from Archie

Perhaps that is one of the reasons shoppers do go to go to Basingstoke or Reading particularly on a wet weekend.

Do we go to Newbury and face the elements for a mediocre selection of shops? Or do we go somewhere where there is a larger selection of shops all under cover and in the case of Basingstoke. it is cheaper and more convenient to park?

You have to be a councillor Mr Lovejoy or else you work for Standard Life.

So you wish that the PW development was more like Festival Place or the Oracle?

Quoted from Cognosco

So they were built  for?.....

You'd better ask the developer.

Quoted from richard.garvie

The open air design was to allow the building of more residential units about the retail units, so clever in that it has generated more revenue. As for the cinema units, they are not too small. People like Nando's, Wagamama and the like want to be on Northbrook Street or in the Market Place according to the people I've spoken too. That may change if something suitable happens in Market Street, but with the economy that's a few years off.

Why does an enclosed centre preclude the building of flats & appartments?  

Quoted from 78

Why does an enclosed centre preclude the building of flats & appartments?  

It doesn't, but the format they used allows MORE. It's pretty clever really, they did a similar thing in Leamington Spa.

I still don't see why a roof / no roof means you can build more flats.

No matter, not having a roof has other subtle benefits.

I'm sure it will. Being inside or out doesn't really make much difference. Do people stop shopping in Oxford Street / Regent Street because it's outside?

The only concern I have about Parkway is the way it's been railroaded through and the lack of value to the taxpayer whne the assets were disposed of. Even the s106 money and affordable elements were reduced or removed completely, that's why some people are bitter about it. That being said, it's never going to be just a hardstanding car park again. We have a choice: A new shopping area with new shops that expand retail choice in town (not everyone's taste, granted) or a load of empty buildings. I'd rather have the shops.

The focus now needs to be aimed at giving a boost to the southern part of the town centre and protecting retailers in Cheap Street and Bart Street.

You can't make people want to use the shops in that part of town. They either will, or won't.

A developer has been chosen for the revamp of the area from the Railway Station to the town centre.

Quoted from 78

The units under the cinema are too small.

What a stupid, ill-informed response!
I suppose that is why the two smallest units in the centre by the multi-storey have been taken in the past week or so.

If someone wants a larger unit, what's wrong in taking two or more smaller units next to each other and making into one.
I would think the KC would shake your hand off if they could occupy several with one negotiation.

Quoted from 78

You can't make people want to use the shops in that part of town. They either will, or won't.

Of course you can, by making the area more desirable, and affordable!
The units would then sell themselves.

Didn't your Grannie teach you there's no such thing as can't.

Quoted from LocalRes

What a stupid, ill-informed response!
I suppose that is why the two smallest units in the centre by the multi-storey have been taken in the past week or so.

If someone wants a larger unit, what's wrong in taking two or more smaller units next to each other and making into one.
I would think the KC would shake your hand off if they could occupy several with one negotiation.

Ill informed, yes you are.  These units are A3, not A1.  

Quoted from 78

You can't make people want to use the shops in that part of town. They either will, or won't.

A developer has been chosen for the revamp of the area from the Railway Station to the town centre.

It's all on hold from what I've been told in the last week, nothing is planned to happen until at least 2015 due to the economic situation.

Quoted from LocalRes

Of course you can, by making the area more desirable, and affordable!
The units would then sell themselves.

It is the affordable end of town when it comes to retail space.

Quoted from 78

It is the affordable end of town when it comes to retail space.

Read it again.... I said desirable AND affordable.
No good being affordable if there are no shoppers .... It then becomes unaffordable!!!

Quoted from LocalRes

Read it again.... I said desirable AND affordable.
No good being affordable if there are no shoppers .... It then becomes unaffordable!!!

Exactly what I said. You can't make people shop there.

Quoted from 78

Exactly what I said. You can't make people shop there.

Then make it desirable, and shoppers WILL go there!

Your not User23 in disguise, are you?

Quoted from LocalRes

Then make it desirable, and shoppers WILL go there!

Your not User23 in disguise, are you?

LOL, that old chestnut. Oooo he isn't slagging off WBC, so he must work for them or be User......Yawn.  

Retail desirability is the domain of the shop keeper, not the council. Unless you are suggesting further pedestrianisation & civic beautification is what is required.

Quoted from 78

LOL, that old chestnut. Oooo he isn't slagging off WBC, so he must work for them or be User......Yawn.  

No it isn't the fact you are not slagging of WBC - more the fact you can't use common sense or see more than one variable.

If the main shopping area is dragged further north - and most of the parking signs point you in that direction (another bit of WBC favouritism?) then you will be unaware of the shops at the south end of town whether they are of interest or not.

Quoted from 78

Retail desirability is the domain of the shop keeper, not the council.

Who owns the 2025 Vision, if not the councils.  Including spending £2,000,000.00 on a fancy road surface?

What the hell has pedestrianisation got to do with the inside of the Kennet Centre?

And who said pedestrianisation made an enclosed shopping area more desirable, I didn't?

If the units are affordable for the smaller retailer, by way of financial cost and potential shoppers, then why are they still empty, after all this time?

And don't say because they are too small - that's rubbish!

Quoted from Greenham Common

Who owns the 2025 Vision, if not the councils.  Including spending £2,000,000.00 on a fancy road surface?

You really don't like those cobbles do you!

Quoted from Greenham Common

Who owns the 2025 Vision, if not the councils.  Including spending £2,000,000.00 on a fancy road surface?

You really don't like those cobbles do you!

Quoted from 78

Retail desirability is the domain of the shop keeper, not the council. Unless you are suggesting further pedestrianisation & civic beautification is what is required.

The location of Retail desirability is the domain of the council, not the shop keeper.

Quoted from LocalRes

What the hell has pedestrianisation got to do with the inside of the Kennet Centre?

And who said pedestrianisation made an enclosed shopping area more desirable, I didn't?

If the units are affordable for the smaller retailer, by way of financial cost and potential shoppers, then why are they still empty, after all this time?

And don't say because they are too small - that's rubbish!

I was talking about the S end of town in general......

The units under the cinema are not for retail - they are all A3 = restaurant / cafe use only.  

Quoted from 78

You really don't like those cobbles do you!

You're not avoiding the question are you?  

For the record,  It is the cost that I find remarkable.

Had a look at ParkWay this afternoon to see how 'prepared' it looks.....

It's a disaster zone... I can only assume they've hired a few regiments of additional workmen and arranged for the days to be stretched out to cover approximately 36 hours instead of the standard 24 to give them a bit more time to get things squared away.....  


'Centre Stage'?  It'll be like the worst pantomime you can imagine, with Costains taking the 'boos' and 'hisses' from the 80,000 hopeful shoppers that were expecting a bit more than a half-finished building site....

I had similar thoughts passing there this afternoon!

They were still trying to lay the pavings...................

Quoted from LocalRes

I had similar thoughts passing there this afternoon!

They were still trying to lay the pavings...................

Any one starting to place bets to wager how long it will be before remedial work needs to be carried out?  

Does anyone know where they get these 'guestimates' from? The projected visitors etc?

When Matelan opened up at the retail park, their 'people' looked at the demographic for the area, A's B's C1 C2's etc, unemployment percentage, average disposable income yadda yadda yadda. They look at car parking, ease of travel, local rivals distance out of town....the list goes on. Anyway, (to C a long S short) their projected takings figure  for their opening was estimated to be £78,000.00.

They took £48,000.00. They got it so wrong that they actually had to cut staff hours in the run-up to Christmas.

Still, I'm sure 'Fartway' won't be making the same mistake.


Threep.

Quoted from Cognosco

Any one starting to place bets to wager how long it will be before remedial work needs to be carried out?

When they went round with the final final final 'snagging' list they found the roof was indeed leaking in places.

Just passed the site walking home and it looks like they will be working well into the night.

Anyone put their name down for first second dibs at one of the Penthouse Residential Apartments yet?  One of them has been sold according to the website...
A 2 bed, 2 bathroom apartment in Block B (Flat B215) is a mere snip at < wait for it.... > £324,950....  

(yoikes!!!)  
  
That can't be right.... but it is.... All this and yet no parking provided for the Bentley....  how odd......

http://www.parkwaynewbury.com/residential/availability.html

Quoted from spartacus

Had a look at ParkWay this afternoon to see how 'prepared' it looks.....

It's a disaster zone... I can only assume they've hired a few regiments of additional workmen and arranged for the days to be stretched out to cover approximately 36 hours instead of the standard 24 to give them a bit more time to get things squared away.....  


'Centre Stage'?  It'll be like the worst pantomime you can imagine, with Costains taking the 'boos' and 'hisses' from the 80,000 hopeful shoppers that were expecting a bit more than a half-finished building site....

I also had similar thoughts this morning.

However there does appear to be some co-ordination to it all and they are working through the night.


20,000 visitors per day does represent an awful lot of vehicular activity. Being generous and allocating 4 persons per vehicle, that still represents 5,000 vehicles (if they all come by car) That represents 555 (approx) every hour streaming into and out of a slightly improved junction at London Road/Parkway, along with all of the buses from Northbrook Street (stopping on either side of Parkway to allow passengers to alight) All of the taxis that have been kicked out of the Market Place who will undoubtedly be using Parkway as the shortest route. Not forgetting all of the delivery lorries stocking up the rapidly emptying shelves.

Quoted from BrianB

I also had similar thoughts this morning.

However there does appear to be some co-ordination to it all and they are working through the night.


20,000 visitors per day does represent an awful lot of vehicular activity. Being generous and allocating 4 persons per vehicle, that still represents 5,000 vehicles (if they all come by car) That represents 555 (approx) every hour streaming into and out of a slightly improved junction at London Road/Parkway, along with all of the buses from Northbrook Street (stopping on either side of Parkway to allow passengers to alight) All of the taxis that have been kicked out of the Market Place who will undoubtedly be using Parkway as the shortest route. Not forgetting all of the delivery lorries stocking up the rapidly emptying shelves.

I raised the congestion issue last year at a council meeting and was pretty much laughed at. With Parkway not even open yet, I walked to the council meeting tonight and was passed on Lower Way by the V10 Vodafone bus at just before 6pm. I walked passed it on the a4 (it was stuck in traffic by the Newbury Manor) and I didn't see it again after that. My point being that I can walk into town quicker between 5pm and 6:30pm than it takes to drive / catch a bus. It's just as bad leaving town, approaching the Robin Hood, yet nothing drastic appears to have been done to relieve the congestion and accomodate all of the new traffic.

It will only drive those away, who venture to visit the new shops, and get stuck in the congestion.
It may be busy to start with, but those who battle the traffic will soon get fed up, and go elsewhere, I fear.

London Road is a complete nightmare at the moment. What is particularly annoying is that much of this work could have been done earlier in the year rather than leave it until the last minute. Did someone forget to tell the Highways Deparment at West Berks that there was a new shopping centre opening?

Complete incompetence from West Berks as always.

Quoted from richard.garvie

Just passed the site walking home and it looks like they will be working well into the night.

Not necessarily connected, but I've just received an email from Hotel Chocolat saying that due to circumstances outside ther control, they will not be opening tomorrow as planned.

They hope to have the store open by the end of October...

The weather gods don't seem to be smiling on Parkway this morning.

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/radar/

Hopefully it will clear this afternoon.

from newbury yoday:

Quoted Text

The arrival of the shopping centre, which will be home to such stores as Debenhams, H&M and New Look on opening and John Lewis at home in the spring, is set to catapult Newbury into the UK’s top 75 towns in terms of retail attractions, ranking Newbury alongside such locations as Salisbury, Leamington Spa and Windsor.

from BBC

Quoted Text

According to a 2011 report from leisure and retail advisor BCSC Lunson Mitchenall, three major shopping centres opened in 2011, compared to 20 centres in the 18 months between 2008 and 2009.

None are planned for 2012.

Is Parkway really a 'major' shopping centre?

I had a walk through today, it's really quite small - the biggest impression I got was of the number of unused units.  Lots of people in town this afternoon though.

How many "unused" units?

Quoted from richard.garvie

How many "unused" units?

I didn't count - at least half, maybe more.  Jigsaw is open at the corner of East St and Northbrook St, Costa and a jewellers are the only other units open on East St between Northbrook St and Debenhams.  Middle St (is that still the name?) has four or five units open (Lakeland, Top Shop, yet another fashion shop with the sking/sailing clothing theme - Superdry?, another couple I can't remember the name of.  The publicity says 17 shops are opening today - I find it hard to believe.

I might pop down this evening for a little look around, missed today as I've been busy with work and some other bits.

14 are open, with 2 imminent.


Cafe Rouge will be the first eating place.

Didn't go ..... but here are some friends genuine comments on facebook...
1. Rubbish !
2. Needs more shops !
3. Still have to go further afield for a "proper" shop.

Quoted from greenmeanie61

from BBC
"According to a 2011 report from leisure and retail advisor BCSC Lunson Mitchenall, three major shopping centres opened in 2011, compared to 20 centres in the 18 months between 2008 and 2009.

None are planned for 2012. "

So developers could only find a maximum of 3 councils prepared to give away public money to ensure the developer was in a no lose situation.

I don't see that anything to be proud of!

Quoted from Nobby

So developers could only find a maximum of 3 councils prepared to give away public money to ensure the developer was in a no lose situation.

I don't see that anything to be proud of!

Even less councils stupid enough to pay developers a wedge of taxpayers money for the next 100years either?  

Quoted from Cognosco

Even less councils stupid enough to pay developers a wedge of taxpayers money for the next 100years either?  

Nah, according to you the entire town is f****d, so there won't be any parking revenue to pay SLI........

Quoted from 78

Nah, according to you the entire town is f****d, so there won't be any parking revenue to pay SLI........

Workers from outside Newbury still have to park, council has cut public transport subsidies, so still plenty of suckers have to pay to work in Newbury as well as pay council tax to support SLI.  Are you trying to imply SLI are like the council and failed to do the sums?  

pay council tax to support SLI

What - more scandal?

Quoted from 78

pay council tax to support SLI

What - more scandal?

Nah same one! I will leave you to try and work it out for yourself for a while shall I?  

Quoted from Cognosco

Nah same one! I will leave you to try and work it out for yourself for a while shall I?  

No point.

Quoted from 78

No point.

Why? Are you too stupid to understand?

Quoted from Nobby

Why? Are you too stupid to understand?

Come on Nobby be fair it does take some longer than others. You should help those who are unable to understand and explain it more fully. It is quite normal for some pupils to be brighter than others in the class. You could be his mentor if you like?  

Quoted from Nobby

Why? Are you too stupid to understand?

Something like that.

Quoted from Cognosco

Even less councils stupid enough to pay developers a wedge of taxpayers money for the next 100years either?  

As your last 50 posts on this and the Other Place are about SLI car parking rumour. Can you lay off until the evidence is presented? It's rather tiresome

Quoted from Muddler

As your last 50 posts on this and the Other Place are about SLI car parking rumour. Can you lay off until the evidence is presented? It's rather tiresome

Maybe for the council, I still find it amazing how they still refuse to reveal the facts. They have the details available to them, why can't they tell us??? What are they hiding???