I WAS very disappointed to learn that the Victoria Shopping Centre is up for sale.
Like many, I can recall its earlier years, full of shops such as the C&A store. It also included a popular pub as well as two nightclubs, namely Zhivagos and Annabelles. The centre was a hive of activity, and all this before a roof covering was created to protect visitors from the weather elements!
The way we shop has now greatly changed due to the internet and therefore many town high streets and centres were already struggling before the Covid outbreak.
I wonder whether perhaps this virus was the final factor in deciding to sell off the shopping centre.
My concern now is that it may not be easy to obtain a purchaser with the current climate. There is also the question of how this matter may affect those retailers currently located within the centre.
Part of the aim around the new Queensway development was to attempt to incorporate it within the top half of the town, that being Victoria Circus and its shopping centre, rather than appearing totally detached.
Concerns will obviously now be raised as to whether this sudden sale could affect some of those Queensway Project plans.
STEVE BUCKLEY
Borman Close, Eastwood
READ MORE
- Victoria Shopping Centre, Southend, on market for £10.4million
- Council urged to invest in £10.4m Victoria Shopping Centre
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