EUROPE’s largest footwear retailer has shown its support to the town centre’s Glass Works regeneration scheme by agreeing to take up a store in the complex on a ten-year lease.
Deichmann’s 5,000sq ft store is set to open before Christmas, joining Next, Sports Direct, TK Maxx and the already-open JD Sports.
The addition of the shoe store giants means the scheme is around 60 per cent let in terms of retail space, and they become the second confirmed retailer to sign during the coronavirus pandemic.
Coun Tim Cheetham, cabinet spokesperson for place, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Deichmann to the Glass Works as the latest new name for Barnsley town centre.
“Deichmann will be a great new addition to our town centre’s retail mix.
“It’s the right offer fantastic quality, and affordable.
“The addition of Deichmann, our second signing in the coronavirus pandemic, further illustrates the strength of the scheme following TK Maxx’s commitment to the project last month.”
There’s also been multiple confirmed food operators for the Glass Works scheme including Nando’s, Muffin Break, and local independent restaurant MEET - all of which will join the already-open Falco Lounge and Coffee Boy, as well as independent food vendors inside Market Kitchen.
Alex Hyams, the leasing manager for Queensberry - the firm behind the regeneration - said: “We’re delighted to bring Deichmann to the Glass Works and more importantly to Barnsley as it’s a terrific new offer for the town.
“It’s no small feat to have secured two new occupiers for the Glass Works during what has been and continues to be a difficult time for the high street on a national scale - first TK Maxx and now Deichmann.
“We’re looking forward to bringing in more new occupiers as we approach opening next year and we’ll be working closely with Barnsley Council to achieve this.”
Cineworld and Superbowl UK are also scheduled to be part of the leisure aspect of The Glass Works, which is scheduled for completion in 2021.
The costs have crept up for the ‘transformative’ scheme with £180m construction costs, and the council had to find another £10m for other costs such as money to meet loans in the early years of the project.
The Glass Works is estimated to deliver 1,100 jobs to the people of Barnsley by 2025, and is set to be completed next April after work was resumed in May following the coronavirus pandemic.
“There’s no doubting that the coronavirus pandemic has had an impact on the high street not just in Barnsley, but in the whole country,” Coun Cheetham added.
“That said, we’re committed now more than ever to delivering the scheme next year.
“The success of the Glass Works so far is clear for all to see, and we look forward to welcoming more new names as we head towards completion in 2021.”
Andy Underwood, director at Deichmann, said: “We’re incredibly happy to open a brand-new store in the Glass Works and add Barnsley to our expanding store portfolio.
“Opening a new store and committing such an investment in the current climate demonstrates that Deichmann is dedicated to revitalising the British high street despite the impact the pandemic has had on our business and the whole country.”
