£9.9m Eston Square project begins May 5. Demolition creates new shops and leisure spaces sparking mixed local reactions.
A notice went out to demolish shops on Eston Square. This allows for new shops and leisure spots. The project will create new retail space and includes seven or eight new shop units.
One hundred new parking spots are also planned. The council made deals to buy properties for demolition. Last year, locals supported the plans.
Demolition work starts the week of May 5. Esh will handle the demolition. Councillor David Taylor says many shops are already empty because businesses have already left those locations.
Opinions on the project differ widely. Many think it can help the town, but others fear it’s a waste of funds. Some readers hope for specific stores, like Lidl, while others suggested other types of companies.
One person thinks it will become a mess, like a previous project. Another person thinks it’s taxpayer money wasted and suggested replacing with grass instead.
One reader feels it could help other shops nearby because they don’t like the current mix of businesses. Someone joked about the types of new shops expected, predicting barbers, vape shops, and nail bars.
One commented that the shops reflect customer demand, explaining that businesses offer what customers want. Another person doubts the project will ever finish and referenced the slow pace of past projects.