Portsmouth’s Labour Leader has raised concerns at the potential loss of another high street brand from the city centre following a major announcement by an international retailer.
M&S has confirmed today that it is considering closing its store in the Cascades Shopping Centre, Commercial Road, and is now consulting with 100 staff members at the store about the move.
If the proposal goes ahead, staff would be redeployed at nearby stores, with closure early next year.
Whilst news that the company plan to open a new food hall at Ocean Retail Park in Burrfields Road early in 2018 is welcomed, there is concern over the impact of this potential decision by the store on the rest of the city centre’s important shopping area.
Portsmouth Labour has been calling for a better deal to regenerate our city centre, and create something for future generations to be proud of.
Earlier this year, Cllr Stephen Morgan, who represents the city centre on the council, called for more action to be taken to make Commercial Road a destination once more.
He said:
“These latest proposals from M&S are a real concern to local people. More must be done to keep international retailers and well-known brands on our high streets.
I’m committed to securing a prosperous future for our city. And to do that, Portsmouth needs to retain businesses and attract more private sector investment to help create the good quality jobs that local people need.
It’s time the heart of our city gets its beat back and is a destination once again”.
