Town centre transformed (From Free Press Series)

Town centre transformed

THE regeneration of Pontypool town centre is about to be boosted by news that two clothes retailers are set to move into the empty Tesco Metro building.

The Free Press has learned that Ethel Austin and Bonmarche are the names in negotiations to come to Pontypool.

The news is the latest boost to the once-ailing town centre as four other new shops are poised to open their doors.

Ethel Austin is a value retailer selling clothes mainly for women and children with some menswear. A company spokesman said they had agreed terms with the building's owners and hoped to have their store open by Easter 2005.

Bonmarche sells womenswear aimed at the over-45s and is a subsidiary of the Peacock Group.

The empty Tesco building is owned by Translloyd Developments.

Their spokesman said they hoped to start work on fitting it out 'within the next few weeks'. Translloyd will carry out the development work and the retailers will rent floorspace from them.

Negotiations are continuing on letting the remaining ground floor unit as well as the first floor and basement space.

The transformation of Pontypool town centre continues with the opening of two of the new stores on Crane Street. Peacocks is due to open tomorrow and Farmfoods on Monday. Argos is due to follow on November 21 and Wilkinsons on November 24.

The new link between Crane Street and the new Tesco store will be officially opened on October 29.

Opening dates could change - depending on building schedules.