Shopping centre draws custom
MORE shops and leisure could be heading to Westwood Cross, its manager has revealed on the shopping centre's fifth anniversary.
Manager Tom Price, who says a talent show to mark the event was one of the highlights of his two years at the centre, said it had potential for expansion.
Mr Price, 55, said: "We acquired the old Antolin site with Sainsbury's. There are plans for expansion combining retail and leisure."
Westwood Cross employs 1,800 people and 80,000 shoppers visit the centre every week.
The former Chatham House Grammar School pupil added: "Westwood Cross is heavily reliant on shoppers from Thanet but the figures are changing. We are advertising to people in Canterbury, Sandwich and Deal.
"I sympathise, but the future of retail is not on the High Street – large retailers prefer centres."
Comments
by Skeptik, Broadstairs
Friday, June 18 2010, 4:21PM
“Mr Price says that "...the future of retail is not on the high street..." Says who? Westwood's ok if you've got the time, patience, transport to get up there, to sit in traffic queues before you get to the actual centre where there is a lacklustre selection of chain shops, with a couple of independents.
No. We value our High Street. I can do all my weekly shop in the centre of Broadstairs without the need to get the car out, and I know that I'm not the only one who values that.
But, it's under attack - not just from the big boys at Westwood, but from our own District Council who, pandering to the complaints of a newcomer, are trying to put one of our most valued shops out of business. How is that supporting the local economy or local people?
Come on residents of Thanet - let's put our weekly shopping budgets where our mouths are - support our local independent traders. You will get better service, and every pound you spend will enable them to invest in their business - and in our high street. If we don't use it, value it, and cherish it, then all the Thanet towns will be faced with rows of tea shops, nail bars, hairdressers and mortgage shops.
This has to stop - stand up for our shops!”