Boscombe in Bournemouth is set to get three new High Street stores, giving the town a much needed and welcome boost.
The town was £22 million in government funding to refurbish the high street and this news has been celebrated by locals.
The Stores
A new store selling mobility vehicles has confirmed that it is going to be opening in the Sovereign Shopping Centre, together with the Malinka supermarket chain. Malinka specialise in selling Eastern European produce and a wide variety of exciting foods and it has agreed to take over the former site of fashion retailer Bonmarche.
The final new store is being opened by the food retailer previously known as the ‘Dirty Vegans.’ It has changed its name to the ‘Plant Hustler’ and is expanding its site in the city, an indication that the growing trend of veganism and healthy eating isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. It sells a wide choice of plant based meals, including vegan ‘meats’, cheese, sandwiches and jacket potatoes and offers a takeaway and eat-in service.
The Future
With most of the town’s units closed during lockdown, Boscombe, like many shopping centres up and down the country, has struggled during the pandemic, but with the country beginning to open up once more and with the promise of more restrictions being lifted, locals are being urged to get out and support their local high street.
The manager of the Sovereign Centre and member of the Coastal BID’s board, Peter Ruscoe said ‘This is great news for Boscombe.’ He added, ‘Like everywhere else we have suffered from the lockdowns, but we are seeing lots of investment in the centre of town.’ He continued ‘These three new businesses will add new experiences and products that will attract more people.’
Before opening last month, the whole of the town centre was deep cleaned in preparation and plans for additional seating, street art and new plants are all in progress.
Mr. Roscoe commented ‘The owners have seen what potential there is here and understand that in our pedestrianised high street and shopping centre, we have good footfall and plenty of opportunities.’ He added. ‘I anticipate more businesses moving in as the retail side of the high street recalibrates and an improving economy provides confidence to entrepreneurs who are thinking of opening businesses.’
These changes to the town will bring in new job opportunities for locals, more custom for local businesses and make the area a thriving bustling place to live, work and study, as well as improve the tourism industry in the area.
