Arcade revamp bid fuels traders’ fears

From the archive, first published Thursday 26th Apr 2007.

TRADERS have spoken of their fears over plans to redevelop a bustling shopping arcade in Leigh.

Clement's Arcade, off Leigh Broadway, could be transformed from a cosy collection of small shops and businesses to a larger shopping parade with a flat and office development above.

Intex Properties, in Broadway, Leigh, plans to redevelop the ground floor arcade to put in eight new retail spaces. A three-storey extension would be built to the side and back of the property.

The first and second floors of the enlarged building would contain seven flats and 295sq m of office space.

Traders in Clement's Arcade have been told they will be given first refusal on the new shops which will be larger than the current premises.

However, they fear the extra space may prompt the landlord to increase rents.

Business owners are also concerned about having to close and the resulting loss of business while the proposed redevelopment work takes place.

One trader, who refused to be named, said: "We are very worried. The units will be bigger so the rents will be higher.

"Some people do not need bigger premises and might not be able to afford them. They say the building work could take four months, but it could run longer."

At a meeting of Leigh Town Council's planning committee, councillors opposed the plan.

They said the scheme will alter and damage the character of an existing attractive and distinctive building. Southend Council is due to make a decision on the application before May 21.