Town to get new superstore

Boots has taken on the lease for a unit on Queen's Retail Park and is expected to start trading in September after a major re-fit.

The move follows a string of new store openings on the Queensville site – in stark contrast to the widespread shop closures in Stafford's town centre.

The pharmacy and toiletry chain will be taking over the large unit formerly occupied by Carpet Right, which has itself moved nearby to the former Stafford Sports Arenas building.

However, Boots says the move does not mean it will be closing either of its other two branches in Stafford.

A spokeswoman confirmed that the new store is due to open on Queen's Retail Park this autumn but said there are no plans to close either the existing Boots store on Greengate Street or the Gaolgate Street Boots Opticians.

John Maddison, from British Land which manages Queen's Retail Park on behalf of Hercules Unit Trust, told the Stafford Express & Star he was pleased to have secured the prestigious client for the unit.

The asset manager said the news would help Stafford's recession-hit economy and offset widespread shop closures in the town centre which mean around 40 retail units are currently standing empty.

Mr Maddison said: "Boots will probably be opening in September – we'll be doing some refurbishment to bring it into line with the other units on the retail park before then. It's good news for Stafford – we are offering something positive for the town at a time when most others are struggling."

Mr Maddision added that, despite the faltering economy, businesses on Queen's Retail Park were currently reporting "very strong" trading conditions. He said: "From what I hear, our tenants are delighted with their units."

Mr Maddison also said that rumours that a Burger King outlet was considering moving into the current Flower House building when the gardening business moves out in the near future were "completely unfounded". He said the unit would be much too large to be suitable and would also need change of use planning permission before it could be converted into a fast food restaurant.

Mr Maddison added he had no news on who the next tenant is likely to be.

The unit formerly occupied by Stafford Sports Arenas, which suddenly closed in January, has been divided into two.

Carpet Right is currently using both units, with one devoted to a clearance sale, but will vacate one in the near future, which British Land is currently looking to find a tenant for.

Other retailers to move onto Queen's Retail Park this year include Mothercare, which opened a store in February, Next and New Look.