The manager of Swan Walk has quashed fears that the shopping centre is in decline.
Gill Buchanan was responding to a wave of concerns from Facebook users after the closure of several shops, including Barratts, Past Times, Sony Centre and Hawkins Bazaar.
Jason Byles began the debate by commenting: “Walked through Swan Walk tonight and stumbled upon the Square of Despair. BBs, Sony and Past Times all gone in the last few weeks.
“With units by Wilkinsons also empty and a unit next to Fat Face also empty, what are Swan Walk doing to attract new businesses or support current ones which don’t have a massive chain behind them, such as Boots or M&S? Unless Swan Walk management move soon to keep/attract more business more may depart, making the centre look even more sad, if that’s possible.”
Adam Flemming-Yates, one of dozens of people who responded, stated: “It’ll start looking like a ghost town unless something is done. I know things are tough for businesses right now, but there must be something that can be done to get these retail spaces being used.”
Mrs Buchanan told The Resident: “We have a very strong town centre team and we work really hard to ensure the town has a vibrant shopping community.
“There is nothing that Swan Walk, or indeed Horsham, could do to stop Barratts or Sony Centre from closing. This is largely a national problem, with national brands. It is a trend that is being seen across the country this year. It just so happens that a few struggling national brands have had shops in Horsham.
“I understand the frustrations of the public when there are empty units in the shopping centre and I have read the comments on Facebook. But these businesses are in administration. We have no access legally. We can bring people in, but I can’t make people go into shop A or shop B.
“The units will be filled by new businesses, but the lettings process takes time. It’s like buying or selling a property. It doesn’t happen in a week. It’s in the shopping centre’s landlord’s best interests to make sure these units are occupied.
“The arrival of The Real Eating Company will invigorate the area and will help other tenants. We have also introduced Fat Face and Ollie and Nic recently. I can assure you that we are passionate about the shopping centre and the town, because you have to look at the town as a whole.
“The responses on Facebook show that people care in this town, which is a good thing. I want people to know I am just as passionate about making this town as vibrant and successful as it can be. I am confident that 2012 will see exciting developments at the centre.”
