It was announced earlier this month that New Look in the Willows Shopping Centre would close its doors for good on January 24, sparking an outpouring of sadness from shoppers.
However, yesterday fresh plans were submitted to Basildon Council as part of proposals for PureGym to take over the space with a 24/7 gym in the shopping centre.
Gavin Callaghan (Image: Gavin Callaghan)
Gavin Callaghan, Labour leader of Basildon Council, called the news “positive” and was happy to see plans to fill the space be developed so quickly.
He said: “There’s no doubt Wickford regeneration needs some tender loving care, they’ve had a raw deal for a long time. They’ve lost a lot of shops and amenities over the years.
“It’s pleasing to see that as soon as one business leaves, another comes in. We don’t want to see empty units on our High Streets or shopping centre, if we can get another business like a PureGym, that can only be a positive for Wickford.
“Another positive is that it’s a 24-hour gym and so people could use that all the time, it can only be a positive.”
The nearest existing PureGym sites are at Eastgate Shopping Centre in Basildon, which opened in 2018, and Pelican Retail Park in Rayleigh.
Closing – Wickford New Look (Image: Michael Robinson)
Daniel Harrison, Independent councillor for Wickford Park, raised concerns the site is not suitable for a gym and claimed he had heard rumours that pub giant Wetherspoons had shown interest.
Mr Harrison said: “I’m surprised someone would want to put a gym there considering the size of the site.
“I had previously heard a whisper that Wetherspoons were interested in it.
“My view is it should remain as a retail building, it’s the largest store in the Willows. We will have to wait and see.”
Speaking on the closure, a New Look spokesman said: “Our Wickford store is set to close on January 24 at the landlord’s request.
“We would like to thank all of our colleagues and the local community for their support over the years.”