Business leaders look to future of Shrewbury as House of Fraser prepares to close doors
Business leaders are looking to the future following the news that Shrewsbury's House of Fraser store is to close in the New Year.
The imminent closure of the department store caught many on the hop – but the leader of Shropshire Council is confident the building will not be empty for long.
House of Fraser was put into administration with debts of nearly £1 billion and was bought by Mike Ashley, owner of the Sports Direct empire.
But, blaming 'greedy' landlords, Mr Ashley said he could not save a number of stores.
It is thought the Shrewsbury store will close on January 2, leading to the loss of 80 jobs.
Councillor Peter Nutting, leader of Shropshire Council, said news of the closure was a 'surprise' but added: "I am confident that the property will soon be occupied again and many of the franchises within the store will relocate to other premises in Shrewsbury. Shropshire Council is always sad to hear about shop closures but it is a changing world and the world of retail has always been turbulent.
"Shrewsbury town centre is performing well compared with most towns in the Midlands."
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Helen Ball, Shrewsbury Town Council's town clerk said it was disappointing that House of Fraser had taken the decision to close the store.
She said: "Stores like House of Fraser have got a traditional place on the High Street.
"I am saddened to see that this store is not going to be there. There has been a department store in Shrewsbury for as long as people can remember and it is sad to think that that service is not going to be in the town any more."
The news of the closure, confirmed on Monday by Shropshire Council, means the county will be left with only one House of Fraser following August's announcement that the Telford branch was getting a reprieve.
Nic Laurens, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “We were saddened that this store will now definitely close.
“We understand that this is an extremely difficult time for the staff who work at the store and we will continue to work with them to ensure that they are aware of the help and support available."
Seb Slater, executive director of Shrewsbury BID added: “Like many others in the town we are disappointed that it has been confirmed that House of Fraser is set to close at the end of the year.
"It’s a real shame to be losing one of our national brands and we will be supporting Shropshire Council to find the right investor to take up the opportunity on High Street, one of the town’s most popular streets.
"The tremendous pressures on the retail sector across the country are well documented."
The former Rackhams store is one of the oldest shops in the town and underwent a major refurbishment less than two years ago.
