Shop relocates amidst fears lower High Street is being left behind
NOT enough is being done to help stores in part of Cheltenham's shopping centre, a trader has claimed.
Brian Crosby, who owns West End Framing and Art, is planning to move from his current location in lower High Street into an empty unit in Montpellier next month.
The move, he claimed, was partly down to frustration at a failure by the council to regenerate the lower High Street, which he claims is being "left behind" other parts of town.
Mr Crosby, who has been an outspoken cheerleader for traders in the area – known as Cheltenham's West End– said it was a business decision to move his picture framing and art company to a new home in the town.
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"The truth is I haven't been able to get many art sales for some time," he said.
"I feel, despite efforts to improve the lower High Street, not enough is being done.
"The entrance into town from that direction is appalling and I just don't see it improving any time soon.
"I don't want to denigrate the lower High Street because I've had eight good years there.
"But I am not getting the type of customers who are interested in buying art.
"Despite many efforts, it is still seen by many people as the unfashionable part of town."
With trade failing to take off at his other store in Gloucester, he said he had decided to bring his company together under one roof in Montpellier.
The move will not entail any job losses.
Mr Crosby, himself an accomplished artist, added that he hoped to retain his loyal customers after the move.
The new store, entitled Brian Crosby Fine Art Fine Frames, is expected to open in October.
Traders in Montpellier said they were delighted one of the empty units was set to be filled. Vacant sites include the former Sketchley's dry cleaners, which closed last month and the old baby shop Pretty Special.
Jeremy Williamson, managing director for the Cheltenham Development Taskforce – the organisation responsible for the long-term regeneration of the town – insisted the future of the lower High Street was bright.
"A decision to relocate is clearly a business decision but I am pleased to hear that Mr Crosby has sufficient faith in Cheltenham to retain his business within the town," he said.
"The lower High Street is one of the central areas for the task force remit and focus has been to improve the link between the lower end of town and the main High Street.
"Key to this has been The Brewery development which has now secured planning permission.
"The next major project will be the road network changes and improved signage in areas such as the Lower High Street and Montpellier."
OPINION, P10
Comments
by Haw_Haw
Thursday, September 20 2012, 6:11PM
“This is most excellent news, what !
What seems to be a lifetime of complaint coming to an end. But no, not quite yet. You see, you can't whine on a VERY regular basis for years and years and stop just like that. Oh no. Expect another 72 months of under the breath muttering about Montpellier. In fact, why not start now old fellow, even though you haven't got there yet. Let's see. High rents and business rates, scarcity of parking, lack of neon flashing sign directing shoppers there. And that's without having to think too hard. You'll surprise us yet, won't you…
As for lower High Street, it's a ghastly area and always will be. A sow's ear of a place. Shop keepers are friendly enough, but the passers by are dreadful types. 8 years there you say. Are you sure, as it feels like more like 18…”
by raidermanuk
Thursday, September 20 2012, 2:14AM
“So for Mr Crosby the penny has finally dropped. You can't polish a ****!”
by Matt1006
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 5:00PM
“thomas1996 - I thought "The Famous" were looking to relocate when they vacate their current large shop? Or have they failed to find suitable new premises? It is a shame they are leaving their current shop - will be even more of a shame if they're going from the town completely.
Will leave a big gap in the school clothing market - some other shop/s will need to pick up the slack, or there will be issues next August with a shortage of suppliers for local school uniforms.”
by EllJay1
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 3:59PM
“Bob_Flaps
I agree with you, Cleeve Picture Framing are great, don't try to push expensive frames but are very happy to offer advice. Also you can get free parking at Tesco or Lidl.”
by Bob_Flaps
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 3:29PM
“Alternatively, try Cleeve Picture Framing in Bishops Cleeve - they have free parking, are nice guys and do a great job at very reasonable prices. And no, I don't work for them or know them, but seeing as TiG is giving out free publicity then why shouldn't they get some?”
by valhalla2010
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 2:58PM
“@ Chan11- He runs a business, so yes he will take every opportunity at publicity!
It is high time that the Lower High Street (sorry, West End) was flattened and converted into a pedestrianised appartment zone- like the one by Waitrose. The area is grotty, full of disused shops and burger outlets. Hell, some buildings even have bushes growing out of the guttering and eves.
Alternatively it could be flattened and converted into a large car parking area.”
by thomas1996
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 12:24PM
“It's such a shame that the gentlemens & school outfitters shop 'The Famous' is also closing at the top of Lower High Street after trading for over 100 years and unlike the framing shop is not relocating. A piece of Cheltenham's history gone forever.”
by Chan11
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 10:12AM
“Does Mr Crosby contact TIG every time he wants publicity?, or do TIG have in on their books as a correspondent? Either way he gets the news space. I wish the Montpellier shop owners all the best, when he gets amongst them.”
by cheltenham20
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 8:48AM
“Mr Crosby, you have been a pain in the butt since you moved into the lower high street, perhaps now, we will here a little less of your ' I know whats best for you , & me'
and no they will not be putting a Train Halt on the old railway line, I understand that there's talk about the shops in the Lower high street having there shop names in English so we can understand what there buisness is,,A lot of the people down that way, after many years can now converse in Pidgeon English, Good times ahead....”
by TheSpeller
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 8:38AM
“This is a good opportunity for another small business to set up doing picture framing in the Lower High street, in a premises which is known for that trade.
This will also give Mr Crosby some healthy competition, because his prices are definitely more Montpellier than St Pauls.”