Please give CONSTRUCTIVE feedback on your first impressions of the shopping experience at the new Parkway complex.

I think it's good. And will be good for the town. I don't like the size of the place (3+ storeys), and I don't see the need to squeeze some housing into the mix, but I think the scale, or rather footprint, of the dimly-named "Middle street" and adjoining walkways is just about right.

Some people seem to be unhappy that it's not bigger (ie The Oracle, or Festival Place), but I think it's good that it's no bigger than it is. I have no concerns about the empty units either, looking at the Parkway map, it looks like they have tenants lined up for the majority of the units, so it'll only be a matter of time before more are filled.

One thing that I think is good is that, whatever your views on it are, it's hard to deny that it does make Northbrook street busier. People freely move between Parkway and Northbrook street, and that is something that is an issue with The Oracle and Festival Place.

I was in town on Saturday and, while I didn't go into any Parkway units, I did do some shopping on Northbrook street and made a point of asking shop assistants how Parkway had affected them. Everyone said that it had been much busier. Hopefully, that will last. One the whole, I think it's good for the town.

The parking at £1.50 an hour is obscene though.

I like it and will like it even more once it fills up with shops. Certainly adds something to the town, let's not let negativity about certain issues bring it down. Most comments I have seen relate to the lack of units filled, but you just have to see the map of units to see many will be filled before too long. I think access from the public transport stops could be better and the whole area needs a good hose down to get rid of the dust and such like but apart from that, genuinely positive first impressions.

The one thing that Parkway need to address is the perception of the public: if it gets a reputation for not being very good, the whole thing will flop. I like the idea of this thread, let's hear the positives and suggested improvements and maybe someone at Parkway will take them on board.

The one thing that Parkway need to address is the perception of the public: if it gets a reputation for not being very good, the whole thing will flop

Does this need addressing? Are you saying that the perception already is that it isn't very good?



  

It won't draw shoppers from further afield, but it might stop some Newbury residents going to Basingstoke / Reading.

Overall, great. Vast improvement on the wasteland that was there before and I agree it complements Northbrook Street rather than replaces it. Needs some shops for chaps, though.

Constructive?  In other words, you don't want any bad comments?

Quoted from noobree

Overall, great. Vast improvement on the wasteland that was there before and I agree it complements Northbrook Street rather than replaces it. Needs some shops for chaps, though.

You think this building improves the vista from the park?  

Quoted from Greenham Common

You think this building improves the vista from the park?  

Obviously, but there's no accounting for taste. Only thing that's certain is that it isn't going away.  I just wish we could get rid of this blot on Newbury's landscape - visible from miles around and truly appalling http://goo.gl/BRm7P  I guess it isn't going away either.

It's a load of new shops and that says it all really. Apart from the shops, there isn't anything which would make me go Wow. It's half finished and will probably improve for me when the contractors walk away.
I'm not impressed with the exits onto the taxi and bus stops at the rear.
If that's negative then I'm sorry.

Another improvement.

Quoted from Administrator

Please give CONSTRUCTIVE feedback on your first impressions of the shopping experience at the new Parkway complex.

I think that it enlarges the shopping area in Newbury and probably enhances it. Its certainly better than the wasteland that was there before. Not being enclosed, it doesn't really feel like a shopping centre though and probably blends in too well with the Northbrook Street somewhat taking away its identity
What would be better would be a focal point and some cover. At the moment, its just a set of building seperated by pedestrianised roads that don't really encourage browsing, especially in bad weather.
Overall its an improvement and may get better as more shops open.

Quoted from noobree

Obviously, but there's no accounting for taste. Only thing that's certain is that it isn't going away.  I just wish we could get rid of this blot on Newbury's landscape - visible from miles around and truly appalling http://goo.gl/BRm7P  I guess it isn't going away either.

I don't suppose it will (through you need to edit your post to remove the ' I' from the end of the url so everyone can see what we are talking about).

There have been plans to redevelop it as flats.   Highrise Newbury is on its way.

Quoted from Greenham Common

Constructive?  In other words, you don't want any bad comments?

No! That is not the case at all.

Constructive criticism is welcome.

Quoted from noobree

Another improvement.

Very much a matter of opinion.  The way it looms over Victoria Park and the loss of the breadth of the original Park Way are the two things I like least (hate most) about Parkway - apart from some of my council tax being used to subsidise it for many years to come.

Quoted from Greenham Common

Constructive?  In other words, you don't want any bad comments?

No, I think he just doesn't want the thread to turn into another moan-fest. Constructive feedback can certainly be negative.

One thing that I noticed (although I was in a rush so it's possible I am mistaken), was that the access to Park Way (Not Parkway) nearest John Lewis at Home seems to be steps only, with no ramp. If so, and assuming that there isn't going to be one when JL is finished, then that's pretty harsh on those who would need a ramp. It forces them to go all the way down to Debenhams to to get in/out.

Well I can think of a single good thing to say about it.  Perhaps one should wait until it is actually finished.  They've obviously rushed to get it open for Christmas trade.

Quoted from Greenham Common

Well I can think of a single good thing to say about it.

Do you want to tell us what that single good thing might be?

Quoted from spartacus

Do you want to tell us what that single good thing might be?

It might encourage Sunday trading, as shops in Newbury up to now have been shy of that.  I don't suspect it will be long before one won't be able to drive and park near Vicky Park unless they are prepared to pay.

Walked around the new 'shopping centre' Saturday, did not go in one shop as none attracted me and probably won't be going there again....Nothing at all to ring my bell!

Quoted from Administrator

Please give CONSTRUCTIVE feedback on your first impressions of the shopping experience at the new Parkway complex.

May I suggest we hold off on this feedback until we have some idea how much this is going to cost the taxpayer?

No feedback from me as I have not seen it.

Only comments I have heard are Debenhams ok but the rest is still mainly empty and a waste of time opening yet?

Suggest we do the same in six months time.

Quoted from massifheed

One thing that I noticed (although I was in a rush so it's possible I am mistaken), was that the access to Park Way (Not Parkway) nearest John Lewis at Home seems to be steps only, with no ramp. If so, and assuming that there isn't going to be one when JL is finished, then that's pretty harsh on those who would need a ramp. It forces them to go all the way down to Debenhams to to get in/out.

That was my initial impression as well. It's not only the people who have difficuly walking, it's the mums trying to negotiate a set of steps, which look quite daunting to me, especially those with a pushchair and an armful of shopping. For sure they will have difficulty getting down to the level of the buses. This of course applies to all bus and taxi customers bearing in mind that they may not have shopped in Parkway and just want to get a bus after they have filled their bags in Northbrook Street.

That what it seems to me, they rush to open when it is half empty.  We can hardly expect a fair appraisal, and will more than likely simply provide a forum for the pros and antis to big it up or down, depending on their prejudice.

Quoted from brian

That was my initial impression as well. It's not only the people who have difficuly walking, it's the mums trying to negotiate a set of steps, which look quite daunting to me, especially those with a pushchair and an armful of shopping. For sure they will have difficulty getting down to the level of the buses. This of course applies to all bus and taxi customers bearing in mind that they may not have shopped in Parkway and just want to get a bus after they have filled their bags in Northbrook Street.

I'd suggest a lack of 'disabled' access is a big blunder.  Perhaps cause by the 'sudden' change to the plans for that area?

Quoted from Greenham Common

I'd suggest a lack of 'disabled' access is a big blunder.  Perhaps cause by the 'sudden' change to the plans for that area?

Probably yes but of course disabled persons arriving by car would park in the disabled section and then a lift to the sales floor.

Quoted from brian

Probably yes but of course disabled persons arriving by car would park in the disabled section and then a lift to the sales floor.

I'm thinking about people who wish to catch a bus, taxi, etc.  I have not seen the area you talk of, so it is in good faith that I make an opinion.

Quoted from Greenham Common

I'm thinking about people who wish to catch a bus, taxi, etc.  I have not seen the area you talk of, so it is in good faith that I make an opinion.

There's a large ramp outside Debenhams.

Quoted from user23.3

There's a large ramp outside Debenhams.

As has been pointed out already, that is at the opposite end.

Visited today, and I think Debenhams is a breath of fresh air, and you can view Victoria Park from the cafe.
It would have been nice if the cafe had a balcony for sitting outside during the warmer months, though.

As others have said, it is difficult to make further comment until the project is finished, as a lot of units are still empty, and building work in progress.

One thing that does disappoint, is the block paving. It has not been sealed, and so even already, there are marks and stains from spilt items, drinks, oil, dirt, chewing gum, etc. Just the same as the pedestrianised area's, the block paving will soon look terrible, just because of some penny-pinching not sealing the blocks.

Quoted from user23.3

There's a large ramp outside Debenhams.

That is correct but for some reason, it goes in the opposite direction to where the bus stop is and of course to get to the bus stop, one has to cdross the entrance/exit to the car park. I haven't done the car park but my initial thoughts are that drivers coming out into a bright sunlight before lunchtime will have the sun in their eyes and be partially unsighted.

Quoted from brian

That is correct but for some reason, it goes in the opposite direction to where the bus stop is and of course to get to the bus stop, one has to cdross the entrance/exit to the car park. I haven't done the car park but my initial thoughts are that drivers coming out into a bright sunlight before lunchtime will have the sun in their eyes and be partially unsighted.

There's a bus stop at the top of the road, near the roundabout.

Quoted from user23.3

There's a bus stop at the top of the road, near the roundabout.

Well, that's ok then. A long and difficult journey no less whichever direction is chosen. It's still poor design in my book.

Quoted from brian

Well, that's ok then. A long and difficult journey no less whichever direction is chosen. It's still poor design in my book.

Walking down a slight slope is a "long and difficult journey"?

Quoted from user23.3

Walking down a slight slope is a "long and difficult journey"?

No, of course it's not. As a fully equiped male you'll be OK then. Sod the rest of those not quite so fully equiped.

Quoted from brian

No, of course it's not. As a fully equiped male you'll be OK then. Sod the rest of those not quite so fully equiped.

I think you should probably visit it and take a look for yourself before posting comments like this.

On the whole I was impressed.  Noticed a few near mises with cars emerging from Camp's and vehicles coming across the bridge.

Well I haven't been yet, but will get there sometime before Christmas I'm sure.  From the photo's I've seen it looks quite nice but personally I thinks it's too high a structure.

Shops - my reason to visit would be Paperchase and Lakeland, but apart from that nothing really inspires me to go. As mentioned on another thread there are shops I would have preferred to see ..... Pumpkin Patch/JD Sports/Whittards/BHS/Primark/Build-a-bear to name a few. Independents retailers would have been fab but don't expect to see any.

Something else I mentioned on another thread - and the words are still ringing in my ears, quote from a friend "still have to go further afield for a proper shop".  I overheard another lady say exactly the same in Tesco too, so I think the spaces need to be filled QUICKLY before we loose the momentum !!

Constructive criticism.
I had occasion to use the male toilets today. There was two out of three cubicles out of order, the toilet roll holder in the usable one looked as if it had already been refitted (exposed drilled holes and plugs in the wall), and the tiling around the bottom of the walls has not been grouted or sealed around the top.
The sink units are not sealed properly to the walls, and there is quite a gap (vertically) between the units and the wall, at the end.
You also have to go upstairs to the toilets (the male toilets, at least) - not too good for those with disabilities.
There are doors in the ground floor foyer area, and these may eventually be disabled toilet/s.

IF these are supposed to be finished, then it is poor quality work!

Had a look round this morning for the first time. Compared to what was there before I think its excellent and has smartened that area of town up no end.

Only need to re route the A339 and tear down that telecoms building and the place will be sorted.

Quoted from Gully777

Had a look round this morning for the first time. Compared to what was there before I think its excellent and has smartened that area of town up no end.

Only need to re route the A339 and tear down that telecoms building and the place will be sorted.

Carefully Gully777, such upbeat comments  are not popular!

My glass is generally half full.

Half full? half empty? I always say you just need a different size glass.


Threep.

I would strongly urge a re-think on the signalling sequence at the Robin Hood lights.  It was clear around 14:00 yesterday, except for a huge queue which tailed back to the Travelodge.  It was like this few hours earlier as well.  Western Avenue was clear of any traffic.

I am currently in Dorset at the moment, and one roundabout that is a major junction for the A35 / A349 / A3049 called Fleets Bridge, Poole is usually a severe bottleneck in this area.
However, they have very recently removed the traffic lights on this roundabout, and all the queue's have now gone, and the traffic copes admirably.

Maybe worth a trial on the Robin Hood, although the junction of the A339 south A4 east would probably need a rethink.

Quoted from Greenham Common

I would strongly urge a re-think on the signalling sequence at the Robin Hood lights.  It was clear around 14:00 yesterday, except for a huge queue which tailed back to the Travelodge.  It was like this few hours earlier as well.  Western Avenue was clear of any traffic.

Why didn't people turn left at the top of Parkway?

Quoted from user23.3

Why didn't people turn left at the top of Parkway?

What and ingore the SatNav directions - Oh dear Oh dear.  

Quoted from user23.3

Why didn't people turn left at the top of Parkway?

There is no point in asking me because I did, however; it doesn't get away from the point that the lights seem to be on pre-parkway (semi) open time.

Quoted from user23.3

Why didn't people turn left at the top of Parkway?

If you want to go south along the A339, that's a very convoluted way to go and can be just as bad getting across the Broadway, up to and then down the Western Avenue to join the A339.
Going to Hungerford, great but I'm of the opinion, as I always have been, that insufficient attention has been paid by the road planners of WBC to the problems generated by a major, for Newbury anyway, shopping complex with car park movements in and out, HGV deliveries and buses and taxis all taking their share of a very restricted road system.
The A339 and the Robin Hood seem to always have queues both sides of the Sainsbury roundabout and traffic in the wharf is often at a standstill as double decker and bright red Vodafone buses attempt to pass through and join a woefully inadequate roundabout by the KFC, patently not designed for big buses..

Quoted from brian

If you want to go south along the A339, that's a very convoluted way to go and can be just as bad getting across the Broadway, up to and then down the Western Avenue to join the A339.
Going to Hungerford, great but I'm of the opinion, as I always have been, that insufficient attention has been paid by the road planners of WBC to the problems generated by a major, for Newbury anyway, shopping complex with car park movements in and out, HGV deliveries and buses and taxis all taking their share of a very restricted road system.
The A339 and the Robin Hood seem to always have queues both sides of the Sainsbury roundabout and traffic in the wharf is often at a standstill as double decker and bright red Vodafone buses attempt to pass through and join a woefully inadequate roundabout by the KFC, patently not designed for big buses..

We could always build a new dual carriageway from Parkway through Victoria Park to join the A339....... better than having Park Way fail- Just think of poor SLI for a change will you!   No good having a green open space when people are unable to get to the shops surely? Yes I know it should have been thought of before Park Way was built but it is WBC after all?  

The timing's not been adjusted on the Robin Hood lights. Pointless queueing from Parkway to Robin Hood on Saturday.

BTW....I like the new car park signage around the place - an illuminated testament to the march of urbanism. But I rather wondered if there could be another screen showing how much of our money SLI is pocketing. Like a telethon with running total.

what, like this?    the figure is about right too isn't it??



(not very good at photoshopping, sorry!)

Quoted from Muddler

The timing's not been adjusted on the Robin Hood lights. Pointless queueing from Parkway to Robin Hood on Saturday.

I don't think anyone enjoys queuing there, but I will think twice before travelling to that neck of the woods for the time being.

There was a big queue at midday from Robin Hood to Sainsbuy's roundabout too.

Had a look round a couple of weeks after it opened was not impressed . O. K. if you are female perhaps but unless some of the empty units ( of which there atr plenty ) are occupied by new traders of interest to me I wont be going back.

During a discussion at work someone asked if there were any Charging Points for Electric Vehicles in the Parkway Car Park. Having not been in there yet does anyone here know the answer !

Quoted from Muddler

BTW....I like the new car park signage around the place - an illuminated testament to the march of urbanism.

It's also testament to how few people are parking in the Parkway carpark. KC and the wharf often down to single figures whilst at the same time Parkway showing 450 spaces.

SLI will be able to take a huge slice from the WBC income at that rate and no doubt, they will be re negotiating their contribution to WBC based on their under performing very expensive car park

Anyway, back to the sleigh, reindeer getting a bit fractious. Merry Christmas everybody.

If WBC went for free car parking, would SLI then have to hand over the 300k?


Threep.

Which will be the first shop to cease trading in Parkway after Christmas

Quoted from John C

Which will be the first shop to cease trading in Parkway after Christmas

Hotel Chocolat - £35 for some chocolate sauce and a handful of biscuits !!

Quoted from PaulaM

Hotel Chocolat - £35 for some chocolate sauce and a handful of biscuits !!

Profit margins must be amazing!

Did you buy it? or was it a present?

Quoted from Archie

Profit margins must be amazing!

Did you buy it? or was it a present?

Buy it ? No chance ! Present ? Fat Chance  

I notice that the builders were working last Sunday on Parkway, in breach of their planning permission.

Quoted from Muddler

I notice that the builders were working last Sunday on Parkway, in breach of their planning permission.

SL are able to tell WBC what they want to do WBC don't tell SL what they can do!  

Quoted from Muddler

I notice that the builders were working last Sunday on Parkway, in breach of their planning permission.

There were signs up, but they weren't light properly.


Threep.