Archive - Tuesday, 27 July 2004


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Big names target Chepstow move

MAJOR High Street brands have shown an interest in moving into the redeveloped former Lloyds Bank building in Chepstow town centre.

Although no specific companies have been revealed, the developers behind the much-delayed refurbishment project said big names among those interested in taking retail space.

Following months of delays, building work on the eyesore property - which lay empty for years before work started - is finally scheduled for completion in the third week of August.

The finished building will comprise two retail units with six flats above. Problems regarding the maintenance of historic elements to the building had resulted in major delays but Steve Price, director at architects, Oriel Design Partnership, told the Free Press: "After earlier problems regarding the maintenance of historical elements in the building, we are now making good progress and should be finished by the end of August."

The original application to transform the Lloyds Bank building was approved by Monmouthshire County Council back in March 2003 but work was stalled when developers had to submit amended plans to deal with the historical elements in the building.

The news will come as a big boost to traders and shoppers alike in Chepstow who have been frustrated by the apparent lack of progress at the Bank Street site, alongside the disruption caused by work being carried out on the £1.7 million Chepstow Regeneration Project.

Paul Ritchins, president of the Chepstow Chamber of Commerce, said: "It is very positive news regarding the impending completion of the work and if it does attract a major retail into town, it can only be good for Chepstow."

Simon Birchall, director at Liverpool-based Austin Trinity, who are developing the town centre site, said: "We have had a lot of interest in both the retail and residential units. This is a good retail site and it is no surprise that some big names are interested."

He added that more details would be released when work on the site was completed.

Meanwhile, Wilkinsons announced last week that they would be starting to advertise their 80 jobs soon - ready for their move into the former Kwik Save building in Welsh Street.