Five independent traders looking to leave Westgate Street
HELP keep our independent cafe culture thriving is the message from businesses in Westgate Street.
Concerns have been raised after it emerged five traders are all looking to leave the street.
Cafe El Bahdja and StanMan's are both on the market and The Coffee Cup is thought to have stopped trading last Saturday.
The Crow's Nest opened 15 weeks ago but the building is still for sale so it could close if a buyer is found.
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The Comfy Pew is also understood to be up for sale.
Hedley's was on the market but owner Chris Brookes said he had now decided to stay and has signed a new lease.
Ivan Taylor from the Westgate Quarter Traders' Association said: "It is a shame to see so many seasoned business holders going because they are good at what they do."
He hopes the shops will be taken over by like-minded people instead of chains.
Most of the owners say they are leaving for personal reasons, not a lack of trade but that the council does need to do more to ensure independents can survive in the city.
They say tourists get coached down to the Quays and shoppers flock to Eastgate Street but not enough is being done to drawn them to Westgate Street.
Owner of Cafe El Bahdja Lizzie Abderrahim said: "There are fewer people working at Shire Hall so we don't see those regulars any more and the prison closing has been a factor.
"We definitely see a drop in trade when events are on at the Quays."
She added:"There are also lot's of empty shops.
"Why would people come down here?"
Crow's Nest owner John Redfearn agreed that cafes alone are not enough of a draw and believes art galleries could be a way forward.
He said: "There needs to be more vibrant things going on.
"There are shops just sat empty."
He is due to host an art exhibition in his building over Easter weekend.
City council leader Paul James said plans were being looked at to create a coach crop off at the end of the pedestrian zone in Westgate Street.
He added: "We have a part to play but everyone has to work together to generate footfall."
9 Comments
by HenryW
Thursday, March 21 2013, 8:43PM
“Perhaps they see you coming GlosAnrchy...”
by Bratfurd
Monday, March 18 2013, 10:41AM
“Crows Nest sell excellent Soups (and really friendly service!), Stan Man do great deserts, and El Bahdja sell intriguing North African cuisine. Shame to see them go and be left with cookie cutter bland from the chains. Save our independents! p.s Maybe the local shops could get together and launch a 'buy local' loyalty card, with each offering a menu sub selection for free on the nth purchase?”
by Bratfurd
Monday, March 18 2013, 10:38AM
“Crows Nest sell excellent Soups (and really friendly service!), Stan Man do great deserts, and El Bahdja sell intriguing North African cuisine. Shame to see them go and be left with cookie cutter bland from the chains. Save our independents! p.s Maybe the local shops could get together and launch a 'buy local' loyalty card, with each offering a menu sub selection for free on the nth purchase?”
by honslknjklyt
Sunday, March 17 2013, 9:45PM
“Oh and Hedleys as well, can't wait to close. Went in once after 4pm, and just fell like I was in the way, not been in since.”
by honslknjklyt
Sunday, March 17 2013, 9:44PM
“Before seeing your comment GlosAnarchy, I was about to say a similar thing.
I hope the comfy pew does get put up for sale so that someone interested in running a businesses can get on with the job. It is a peetake.
It is right there by the cathedral, the tourist hotspot of Gloucester and closes at 4pm. I have been past it at 15.15 to see them clearing up and a broom/mop handle across the door - why bother?
It is as if mummy and daddy have brought them a business and they are playing "I want to wun a cafe op when I gwow up". It is an absurdity.
Maybe the next owners will stay open until 7-8pm, especially in the summer months where tourists may stay a later.”
by LegalEagle1
Sunday, March 17 2013, 9:36PM
“"The situation is confounded by the exhorbitant fees charged by London based solicitors acting for Landlords, who insist the prospective tenant should meet the costs. These greedy lawyers charge out at several hundred pounds an hour and find any excuse to turn a simple transaction into something complicated. They imagine that somehow there is a desperate demand for old town centre property and by their greed pretty well wreck deals and fledgling business before they even open their doors. These greedy idiots are actually playing their part in dissembling the delicate economy of provincial town centres. They are a disgrace."”
by LegalEagle1
Sunday, March 17 2013, 9:36PM
“"The situation is confounded by the exhorbitant fees charged by London based solicitors acting for Landlords, who insist the prospective tenant should meet the costs. These greedy lawyers charge out at several hundred pounds an hour and find any excuse to turn a simple transaction into something complicated. They imagine that somehow there is a desperate demand for old town centre property and by their greed pretty well wreck deals and fledgling business before they even open their doors. These greedy idiots are actually playing their part in dissembling the delicate economy of provincial town centres. They are a disgrace."”
by LegalEagle1
Sunday, March 17 2013, 9:34PM
“The situation is confounded by the exhorbitant fees charged by London based solicitors acting for Landlords, who insist the prospective tenant should meet the costs. These greedy lawyers charge out at several hundred pounds an hour and find any excuse to turn a simple transaction into something complicated. They imagine that somehow there is a desperate demand for old town centre property and by their greed pretty well wreck deals and fledgling business before they even open their doors. These greedy idiots are actually playing their part in dissembling the delicate economy of provincial town centres. They are a disgrace.”
by GlosAnarchy
Sunday, March 17 2013, 9:15PM
“The comfy pew is ALWAYS closed when I walk past in the mid afternoon!”