It’s been a while since we’ve mentioned the proposed Dinbych Tesco & the associated shops at the former KwikSave site at Station Road, in the context of competition for Rhuthun.
Then, we wondered what effect the Dinbych development might have on those from Denbigh who currently visit Rhuthun town centre following shopping at Rhuthun’s Tesco. Then, we asked what effect a larger Tesco with added 20 quite big shops might have on Rhuthun itself. Might it attract yet more trade away from Rhuthun town centre?
Now, the scene is set for Tesco’s in Dinbych. It appears that most of Denbigh is in favour of the redevelopment. Planning permission early next month is likely to be a dead cert.
This in spite of the current economic uncertainties. Tesco aims to build where it can, when it can, no matter what. It recently completed its Treffynnon/Holywell store. It’s started building in Prestatyn. It has enlarged its Wrecsam Extra with a mezzanine. Some years ago it expanded at Yr Wyddgrug, outwards. Plans are in place to extend Rhuthun, should it wish to.
But will the associated peripheral Dinbych shops all be let? That is a different and a difficult question. Tesco is no doubt a considerable anchor store and under normal economic conditions would be a considerable pull. But now? Would retailers wish to gamble on the site’s success?
The advantages of the Station Road development over Dinbych town centre (and indeed Rhuthun, too) are free parking at the site and the larger size of the available units. Size matters. Retailers neither wish nor can afford to open in units of the size traditionally available in the town centre. None of the available Denbigh units are big enough to be really viable. This means that many Station Road units could potentially be filled with new names who cannot entertain the town centre, perhaps T K Maxx, perhaps Brantano, perhaps New Look, perhaps Carphone Warehouse. The problem is that none are yet taken or reserved. Planning permission when granted will help but there doesn’t appear to be a rush.
Never mind the effect of Tesco Dinbych on Rhuthun, what might it do to Dinbych town centre? Will the High Street be relegated to an American-style empty shell? That would be a pity in such an historic town.
There’s no doubt there are concerns from town traders. They make the recent Denbigh row over the former St Mary’s church institute seem quite minor. There were once plans for the institute to be a Wetherspoons, till the giant backed out. Planners recently rejected a wine bar following protests from Dinbych’s publicans that there would be an oversupply. Yet, there’s a brand new and successful pub on Rhyl Road Denbigh and there are plans to provide a licensed restaurant at the Tesco site.
Then, we wondered what effect the Dinbych development might have on those from Denbigh who currently visit Rhuthun town centre following shopping at Rhuthun’s Tesco. Then, we asked what effect a larger Tesco with added 20 quite big shops might have on Rhuthun itself. Might it attract yet more trade away from Rhuthun town centre?
Now, the scene is set for Tesco’s in Dinbych. It appears that most of Denbigh is in favour of the redevelopment. Planning permission early next month is likely to be a dead cert.
This in spite of the current economic uncertainties. Tesco aims to build where it can, when it can, no matter what. It recently completed its Treffynnon/Holywell store. It’s started building in Prestatyn. It has enlarged its Wrecsam Extra with a mezzanine. Some years ago it expanded at Yr Wyddgrug, outwards. Plans are in place to extend Rhuthun, should it wish to.
But will the associated peripheral Dinbych shops all be let? That is a different and a difficult question. Tesco is no doubt a considerable anchor store and under normal economic conditions would be a considerable pull. But now? Would retailers wish to gamble on the site’s success?
The advantages of the Station Road development over Dinbych town centre (and indeed Rhuthun, too) are free parking at the site and the larger size of the available units. Size matters. Retailers neither wish nor can afford to open in units of the size traditionally available in the town centre. None of the available Denbigh units are big enough to be really viable. This means that many Station Road units could potentially be filled with new names who cannot entertain the town centre, perhaps T K Maxx, perhaps Brantano, perhaps New Look, perhaps Carphone Warehouse. The problem is that none are yet taken or reserved. Planning permission when granted will help but there doesn’t appear to be a rush.
Never mind the effect of Tesco Dinbych on Rhuthun, what might it do to Dinbych town centre? Will the High Street be relegated to an American-style empty shell? That would be a pity in such an historic town.
There’s no doubt there are concerns from town traders. They make the recent Denbigh row over the former St Mary’s church institute seem quite minor. There were once plans for the institute to be a Wetherspoons, till the giant backed out. Planners recently rejected a wine bar following protests from Dinbych’s publicans that there would be an oversupply. Yet, there’s a brand new and successful pub on Rhyl Road Denbigh and there are plans to provide a licensed restaurant at the Tesco site.
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Tesco