OPINION: Letters to the editor of the Newbury Weekly News
Parkway and Primark are boosting Newbury
The end of May marks seven weeks since the opening of Newbury’s new Primark, located in the former Debenhams store at Parkway Shopping centre.
Since then, Primark, Parkway and Newbury as a whole have welcomed an additional 127,000 visitors compared to the same period in 2024 – even accounting for the different timing of Easter.
While this is undoubtedly good news for Parkway, it also represents a positive outcome for the whole of Newbury.
Unlike towns such as Basingstoke – or, to a certain extent, Reading – where large-scale shopping centres dominate the retail landscape, Parkway coexists harmoniously with the rest of the town centre.
Our relationship is mutually beneficial; a strong Parkway strengthens Northbrook Street and the surrounding areas, and vice versa.
The Primark store has created 100 new jobs and sparked fresh interest from other retailers keen to open in Newbury.
As a result, we’ll soon see several new lettings both within Parkway and in the surrounding area.
The store has also helped rebalance foot traffic along the length of Northbrook Street, drawing more people past Parkway’s Marsh Lane entrance towards the East Street entrance – making the nearby vacant units more attractive to potential occupiers.
This positive impact hasn’t come without significant investment.
Between the owners of Parkway and Primark, around £3m has been spent to bring this store to Newbury.
That level of investment only happens when there is genuine confidence in the town.
Since 2008, the UK has been overstocked with retail space – but Newbury has responded more quickly than most, “right-sizing” its offer.
While some opportunities remain on Bartholomew Street – particularly after the Kennet Centre’s redevelopment – the overall trend is for retail to consolidate north of the bridge.
It's often said that physical retail is a thing of the past and that online shopping has taken over entirely.
While there's no doubt that online shopping has grown significantly since 2008 – reaching a peak during the pandemic – its share of total sales has since stabilised.
The UK is considered a mature digital market by major online operators, leaving limited room for further growth.
This has been reflected in the challenges faced by online-only retailers, some of whom are now exploring physical retail to strengthen their business models.
Physical retail remains strong for the right operators offering the right products and experiences.
Newbury continues to benefit from a healthy mix of national retailers and local independents, which puts us in a strong position to attract even more visitors and businesses.
A great deal of work has gone into improving Newbury’s retail offer – and it’s paying off.
But we’re not done yet. There’s more good stuff to come.
Andrew Marmot
Centre manager, Parkway Shopping centre
Praise when it’s due in these modern times
People are quick to complain, so it is a pleasure to give praise and thanks when and where it is due.
In April, it was unfortunate that my dearly beloved fiancée Julia passed over, a very sad time, but the kindness, compassion and dignity shown to me by Camp Hopson Funeral Directors was excellent.
The day of the funeral made me a stronger person thanks to the excellent service provided by Camp Hopson, the Reverend Mike Griffiths and the flowers supplied by George at Sumo Flowers.
These people made a sad time more memorable and dignified – a service my beloved Julia would have been proud of.
Once again many thanks.
Rob Mildenhall
Wickham
Is Ridgeway Council just a Lib Dem ploy?
The decision by West Berkshire Council to engage with South Oxford and Vale of White Horse appears to be based on the fact that all three councils are currently run by Liberal Democrats?
I note that other more obvious options like Reading, Slough, Wokingham and Bracknell are run by other parties.
So is this Ridgeway Council plan the best option for West Berkshire or just the best option for the Liberal Democrat incumbents to retain control?
J Black
Newbury
Sitting outside simply isn’t good economics
Over the last couple of weeks, councillors Gourley and Pemberton have taken to social media in a brave but unconvincing attempt at flogging a dead horse to lure more people into the town centre and sit outside a restaurant as their food goes cold.
So far, they have had about as much success as King Cnut did holding back the tide. I daresay they will do the British thing and blame the weather.
Now, of course, there will be the odd night when some may want to eat outside one of the restaurants.
But, and it’s a big but, many people can’t afford or justify spending money on overpriced drinks and food when they can have a barbecue.
Traditionally, the hot weather, if we get any, will mean more people stay at home to eat outside in their gardens, leading to another dismal and farcical economic failure.
If only our council had the ability to think ahead, once in a while.
John Gotelee
London Road, Newbury
Lib Dems have always backed green policies
It’s not exactly a surprise that the Liberal Democrats in power are pursuing policies, such as the trial of evening pedestrianisation in Newbury, which encourage carbon-free and public transport while improving the town centre environment for visitors.
They’ve been banging on about environmentally friendly policies since they were formed in 1988 and, indeed, introduced daytime pedestrianisation in Newbury in 1998.
Paul Walter
Stanley Road, Newbury
I’m astounded by the demise of Stockcross
As a resident of Wickham who frequently travels through Stockcross I am astounded by the demise of this once charmingly quintessential village.
It is so sad to see the ex public house The Rising Sun in its present shocking state of repair.
The so-called developers of this plot should be held to account by the parish council because for many months now it looks as if a light airplane has crashed into part of the building.
Are the builders ever going to return to finish demolition, or is this what the parish council call work in progress?
It’s a disgrace and it is no surprise that four houses close to this sorry-looking building site have put their houses up for sale.
Stockcross used to have two pubs, a post office and village shop and I am certain was once a winner of Best Kept Village – so please can the current parish councillors take action against the almost glacial speed of this development.
Denis Devaney
Baydon Road, Wickham
Hard to believe cricket match was 50 years ago
It was pleasing to be reminded of Newbury Cricket Club's superb victory against Bagshot (Old Memories Revived) in the Newbury Weekly News.
I find it difficult to comprehend that the match was played 50 years ago!
Incidentally, my Christian name was given incorrectly in the report.
Newbury had a very strong team in those, now distant, days.
Sadly, a number of the fine players mentioned are no longer with us.
Ian Herdman
Conifer Crest, Newbury