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Topic ID 755

27/06/2005 by Drama Queen

Vacant Shop Premises

There seem to be more and more of these, encoraging fly poster sticking etc. Is there is any movement at all on filling these prime shopfront locations? And no, I don't want another Indian/Thai/Kebab or fast food joint. I just wondered if the Council has any sort of incentive schemes to encourage small businesses to come in and make a go of their concern in our town??? I just think it looks sad, run-down and really unpleasant. I'd like a posh knickers shop please.. and I bet some of the gents would too!!!![:D]


0 replies

Archived Replies

Reply ID 8033

27/06/2005 by Victor Meldrew

I find they chafe a little!


Reply ID 8036

27/06/2005 by Drama Queen

Victor you're full of surprises! But seriously wouldn't you like to see the empty premises filled? I know I would.. but not all with elastic knickers.. [:D]


Reply ID 8038

27/06/2005 by Victor Meldrew

Of course I would, have suggested in the past that some of the larger chains would improve Hertfords shopping, but people seem to poo poo that as they think all the shops should be local ones for local people. This in my mind is a little blinkerd, as surely the likes of Next, River Island etc etc would bring more shopppers to Hertford therefore making the town more attractive to the independant retailor?? From what I understand, Rates and Rent are the real killers to Hertford, but if more people shopped here, revenue would oversee that, makeing it more financially viable.


Reply ID 8052

27/06/2005 by smileyoriley

hear hear Victor - my thoughts exactly but I too was shouted down the last time I mentioned this.


Reply ID 8054

27/06/2005 by Stan

Oh not Next or River Island .. Gap , Boss, etc please ! ducks for cover :-)


Reply ID 8056

27/06/2005 by nora batty

quote:
Originally posted by Drama Queen I'd like a posh knickers shop please.. and I bet some of the gents would too!!!![:D]
We had a posh knicker shop! Down near the bus station, but it closed down. I guess no one wants Posh's knickers!!!


Reply ID 8058

27/06/2005 by Stan

Is there not a posh knickers shop opposite the Marquee Club ? I allways thought the town needed a good Deli myself


Reply ID 8059

28/06/2005 by Steve

There was a good deli opened in Bircherley Green five years ago but it only lasted five months. Choice of site opposite Waitrose was probably not a good idea. Again, Tesco and Waitrose have the deli sector pretty well sown up. Worth paying a visit to Aunty Olive's in Bengeo though. As far as posh knicks goes, I don't think the town could support two lingerie shops and "Real Women" in Bircherley Green gave in first, leaving the shop in Railway Street.


Reply ID 8061

28/06/2005 by Ewoowar

quote:
Originally posted by Steve
There was a good deli opened in Bircherley Green five years ago but it only lasted five months. Choice of site opposite Waitrose was probably not a good idea. Again, Tesco and Waitrose have the deli sector pretty well sown up. Worth paying a visit to Aunty Olive's in Bengeo though. As far as posh knicks goes, I don't think the town could support two lingerie shops and "Real Women" in Bircherley Green gave in first, leaving the shop in Railway Street.
The words "Birchley Green" seem to be synonymous with failure for the posh nicks and pants brigade. My experience of posh nicks is limited......! But as for a deli..........well, bring it on! A good one, bang in the centre of town.


Reply ID 8066

28/06/2005 by Tigger

Anyone know whats happening with the old Hill House Hammond building on the corner of South Street/Fore Street?


Reply ID 8069

28/06/2005 by Ewoowar

quote:
Originally posted by Tigger
Anyone know whats happening with the old Hill House Hammond building on the corner of South Street/Fore Street?
I thought the chaps from Bollywoods had put in an offer.


Reply ID 8072

28/06/2005 by Tigger

Hope not - what do they want the whole of Fore Street? Thev'e wrecked the Sportsman - now all they would need is the flooring shop and they have that end [:(]


Reply ID 8114

29/06/2005 by Drama Queen

I don't want/need Gap, Next, River Island et al, but with all our talent in the Shire town I am surprised that the shops aren't snapped up and filled with merchandise to prise out of our sticky palms. I don't like empty premises, it gives me the view that the world is on the way downhill and not as rosy as it should be. I would also like to see a childrens clothes and shoe shop.. Or failing that, anyone see the "Mr Lister" character from Lenny Henry's show just finished on BBC? Mr Lister and his "shap" would be a laugh a minute!


Reply ID 8119

29/06/2005 by Tigger

Isn't there a kids clothes and shoe shop opposite Shire Hall - a colleague of mine seems to have go some stuff from there - not sure of the age range though


Reply ID 8136

29/06/2005 by GillP

quote:
Originally posted by Tigger
Isn't there a kids clothes and shoe shop opposite Shire Hall - a colleague of mine seems to have go some stuff from there - not sure of the age range though
Yes there is, the done some lovely stuff but quite pricey!


Reply ID 8156

29/06/2005 by flowerbar

quote:
Originally posted by Tigger
Anyone know whats happening with the old Hill House Hammond building on the corner of South Street/Fore Street?
I went to view the place last year.......barn of a place. I believe (don't quote me on this) an application has been submitted to convert the upper floors to residential and the ground floor to retail.


Reply ID 8260

01/07/2005 by 01-mike

Which agency tends to deal with Hertfords vacant retail premises? Or do they tend to go through different agency's?


Reply ID 8268

01/07/2005 by Steve

David Perkins handles alot of the local shops and offices. He's based in Railway Street opposite The Duncombe Arms. http://www.david-perkins.co.uk/


Reply ID 8271

01/07/2005 by 01-mike

Thanks Steve


Reply ID 8310

02/07/2005 by Ewoowar

The old Haarts estate agents has a sign stating that it is 'under offer', as does the other old estate agents opposite. Does anyone know what is happening to these?


Reply ID 8311

02/07/2005 by Steve

I beleive that Elbert Wurlings was interested in what was "Your Move". Not sure if that is still the case though.


Reply ID 8517

10/07/2005 by Dude

quote:
Originally posted by Ewoowar
The old Haarts estate agents has a sign stating that it is 'under offer', as does the other old estate agents opposite. Does anyone know what is happening to these?
Mot sure, but its been "under offer" for 6 months now!


Reply ID 8623

12/07/2005 by OldCross

Most of them are being converted into bars/clubs as far as I have heard.


Reply ID 8960

20/07/2005 by sloopjohnb

Not that I frequent these sort of places but it appears that Frillies in Railway Street is the latest casualty. Although as far back as I can remember that corner shop has always been a bit of a retail black hole. Has been an antique shop and ladies golfwear shop amongst others.


Reply ID 9333

29/07/2005 by elkiev71

I'm surprised that one of the coffee chains hasn’t set up in Hertford. With the amount of sightseers you get in town at the weekend I would have thought it was a prime location.


Reply ID 9351

29/07/2005 by Rooster

Seen the ad in the Mercury for any anyone who wants to be a Goody's Girl (the the emphasis on GIRL)? It goes on to say that it is open to both sexes. So a bit of a condradiction in terms there, or just not politically correct. Also, we know someone who actually rang the number to apply and it's Jade Goody's own mobile no. So if anyone wants to interview her see the Mercury sits vac section. [:0][:0]


Reply ID 9355

30/07/2005 by del

Do we want that sort of `riff raff` in Hertford[;)]


Reply ID 9375

31/07/2005 by sloopjohnb

Another one for the list. I see today that Rose Optician will be closing next Saturday and relocating to its other shop. Excellent location though.


Reply ID 9435

01/08/2005 by Herbert Lemons

Rose Opticians closing, Pierces Bakery shut, Tracks, the Mobile Phone shop thingy all now empty - and these are all within a few yards of each other. T'is depressing. I'm moving to the Seven Sisters Rd. At least there they have a bustling High St retail environment [cough].


Reply ID 9456

02/08/2005 by Rooster

quote:
Originally posted by sloopjohnb
Not that I frequent these sort of places but it appears that Frillies in Railway Street is the latest casualty. Although as far back as I can remember that corner shop has always been a bit of a retail black hole. Has been an antique shop and ladies golfwear shop amongst others.
According to 'Axis' magazine, this is being replaced by another frilly knicker emporium due to open in September sometime. Could it just be rebranding?


Reply ID 9638

11/08/2005 by Dude

quote:
Originally posted by Herbert Lemons
Rose Opticians closing, Pierces Bakery shut, Tracks, the Mobile Phone shop thingy all now empty - and these are all within a few yards of each other. T'is depressing. I'm moving to the Seven Sisters Rd. At least there they have a bustling High St retail environment [cough].
Too true. I don't think I can remember when the rate of closures was so high. Unfortunately, I don't see it stopping.


Reply ID 9847

23/08/2005 by Kate

Good to see that the Tracks shop in Railway Street is sold, and the mobile phone shop a few doors down let (may have been other way round). People in Hertford seem to be a bit negative about prospects for town centre traders, but fortunately people seem to continue to believe it's a town worth investing in.


Reply ID 9848

24/08/2005 by Ewoowar

quote:
Originally posted by Kate
Good to see that the Tracks shop in Railway Street is sold, and the mobile phone shop a few doors down let (may have been other way round). People in Hertford seem to be a bit negative about prospects for town centre traders, but fortunately people seem to continue to believe it's a town worth investing in.
I believe the mobile phone shop will become Fallow and Fallow (a deli) while the old Tracks premises is still a mystery. Rose Opticians, in the same row, is also mid-fitting.


Reply ID 9852

24/08/2005 by Bengeobabe

i notice the shop next to cafe rouge in parliament square is shutting down - can't for the life of me remember what it's called..


Reply ID 9855

24/08/2005 by neveraxword

cant help u there, was it a women's designer clothes shop or was that elsewhere ????


Reply ID 9858

24/08/2005 by sloopjohnb

The shop is called Room Service. The lady who runs it told me some time ago that she was looking for larger premises. No idea where she is relocating to but she does stock some nice stuff. BTW can anyone tell me where I can find large oval type breakfast dishes to take a full monty brunch for me and Mrs Sloop on Sunday mornings. Tried all the usual suspects.


Reply ID 9859

24/08/2005 by Steve

Sloop - have you tried John Lewis in WGC? (Mrs.Sloop might get discount!). Failing that what about Colanders in WGC?. There are some good kitcheny type shops in Cambridge if you're prepared to go that far.


Reply ID 9864

24/08/2005 by sloopjohnb

Thanks Steve - as if it was ordained we're actually going to WGC on Friday.


Reply ID 9874

24/08/2005 by Rooster

quote:
Originally posted by sloopjohnb
The shop is called Room Service. The lady who runs it told me some time ago that she was looking for larger premises. No idea where she is relocating to but she does stock some nice stuff. BTW can anyone tell me where I can find large oval type breakfast dishes to take a full monty brunch for me and Mrs Sloop on Sunday mornings. Tried all the usual suspects.
We have large oval steak platters as they are called. 12" x 10". Plain white. Inexpensive (approx. £3.30+/- each) We can probably get you a couple when we have our next delivery of loo rolls in a week or two. Failing that you can have a couple of our new ones and we can replace. I am sure dobbin won't mind.


Reply ID 9880

24/08/2005 by sloopjohnb

Thanks Rooster - be in touch soon. Have plenty of loo rolls.


40 replies