THE former Woolworths store in Colchester could be occupied by a major fashion retailer as early as next year, its owners said yesterday.
The building, that faces on to both Head Street and Culver Square, has been empty since January when Woolworths went into administration.
But yesterday Culver Square manager Derek Ashbee said he was “hopeful” that a high street fashion retailer would be operating in the unit in the spring.
Mr Ashbee said: “We feel that a major fashion name would enhance the shopping centre and suit the mix of shops.
“We have been negotiating with several companies, and we are hopeful there will be a well-known shop trading there in the New Year.
“Unfortunately it won't be in time for Christmas, because of the time these things take.
“But are hopeful it will be a good, high profile fashion retailer.”
Mr Ashbee said he believed that once the Woolworth building had a new occupant, the former Zavvi store next door - which is also currently empty - would soon find a new tenant.
Speculation has surrounded possible tenants for the former Woolworth building since it was vacated on January 2.
Initially, rumours suggested that Tesco might open a shop in the 30,000 sq ft unit.
Later, it was mooted that Iceland were considering taking up the building, and there was also speculation that Primark might be interested in it.
More recently claims have been made that discount retailer QD - which already has a shop in St Johns Walk, Colchester - would move into the premises.
Yesterday Mr Ashbee said he was unable to reveal which fashion retailers the Culver Square Company was in negotiation with.
The building, that faces on to both Head Street and Culver Square, has been empty since January when Woolworths went into administration.
But yesterday Culver Square manager Derek Ashbee said he was “hopeful” that a high street fashion retailer would be operating in the unit in the spring.
Mr Ashbee said: “We feel that a major fashion name would enhance the shopping centre and suit the mix of shops.
“We have been negotiating with several companies, and we are hopeful there will be a well-known shop trading there in the New Year.
“Unfortunately it won't be in time for Christmas, because of the time these things take.
“But are hopeful it will be a good, high profile fashion retailer.”
Mr Ashbee said he believed that once the Woolworth building had a new occupant, the former Zavvi store next door - which is also currently empty - would soon find a new tenant.
Speculation has surrounded possible tenants for the former Woolworth building since it was vacated on January 2.
Initially, rumours suggested that Tesco might open a shop in the 30,000 sq ft unit.
Later, it was mooted that Iceland were considering taking up the building, and there was also speculation that Primark might be interested in it.
More recently claims have been made that discount retailer QD - which already has a shop in St Johns Walk, Colchester - would move into the premises.
Yesterday Mr Ashbee said he was unable to reveal which fashion retailers the Culver Square Company was in negotiation with.
