The Arcadia collapse was the main reason for JD's pulling out of the Debenhams deal, Arcadia concessions made up a significant part of the Debenhams clothing business.
You raised a good point about the rent and rates falling in emptying city centres which might open up opportunities for independents but what about the large units like Debenhams and BHS? The HOF unit is best positioned and on the front foot with the new food hall and letted office space but who would take on the old Debenhams?
Before COVID, I'd have said it will be converted to offices, but demand for those has dropped dramatically now. Residential is the most like likely, they've got high ceilings in there big windows and would make great loft-style apartments.
I think half of the shops will have to be repurposed for residential . I'd like to think that in return would make retail and leisure more attractive in the centre for those that live there . Not sure though as we do seem to have a lot more stay in your house mentality.
Get ready for HDM articles about people who moved into new city centre accommodation complaining about their peace and quiet being disturbed and demanding pubs and clubs be closed down. It will end up like a concrete ghost town with nothing open after 6pm.
Everything MUST go: Debenhams cuts up to 70% off online items while stores will open TOMORROW for 'Wild Wednesday' fire sale of all remaining stock as 242-year-old chain collapses 24 hours after Arcadia - leaving 25,000 jobs at risk so bloody sad A good place to work in the past I imagine with decent pay and conditions.
Bonmarche have gone into admin for a second time in just over a year, locally they're in the Prospect Centre and Toll Gavel, Beverley. It's a miracle they've lasted this long, their offer is very poor and the owner's a bit of an arsehole, but it's obviously very sad for those who work there.
I remember a lad whose funeral I went to the other year having everyone laughing in The Well, except a couple of KR fans he was aiming it at, about RogerMillward being interviewed and replying sausages to everything. (He was from a West Hull City and FC supporting family).
I just read that fish is being landed in Hull again. Anyone know when it started, where is it landed?
I don't think it's just happened, this is from 2018... Fish is being landed in Hull for the first time in over a decade, in what a Humber-based company says is proof the industry is “well and truly back” in the city. Millions of fish and chip portions will be landed in King George Dock every four to six weeks by the Kirkella trawler. Owned by UK Fisheries, the first catch of around 700 tonnes of cod and haddock from the North Atlantic has already been delivered into the Port of Hull. UK Fisheries’ chief executive said the landmark was proof that the industry was “well and truly back” in Hull. Jane Sandell said: “British distant-water fishing has a bright future, which is why we have invested in our new multi-million pound fishing vessel – Kirkella. please log in to view this image “The fishing industry was once the largest employer in Hull and this is a real vote of confidence from UK Fisheries that it’s well and truly back. “We are proud to have operated from the Port of Hull many years ago, so it’s fantastic that we’re able to come back with such confidence – and such a beautiful vessel.” The vessel supports 65 crew members, the majority of which are from the Hull and Grimsby area. The fish is already frozen when it is landed in Hull, thanks to an impressive on-board factory, before it is transported to a cold store in Grimsby. From there, the millions of fish portions will supply around 300 fish and chip shops both regionally and across the country. It is the first time a fishing trawler has landed in Hull for at least a decade. ABP Humber director, Simon Bird, said: “Over the years, ports reinvent themselves to cater for the ever-changing cargoes and it brings us confidence that this once depleting trade is beginning to flourish again.”
Pity they can't take certain residents from Kirkella with them and dump them overboard whilst they're at it.
Just been looking at the Kirkella on UK Fisheries website. It's a far cry from the trawlers I remember seeing on St Andrews dock in the 60/70's!