Facelift will give centre new life
Changes are planned at the "battered" St George’s
Centre.
Its general manager, Andrew
Thomas-Knowles, launched the new year with replacement bunting
flagging up the range of shops at the centre.
The move most likely to win customer
approval, though, is his plan to reopen a long-closed
passageway.
It links the rear walkway with the
square beside Marks and Spencer.
"It was closed some years ago, but is
still there, still intact and has the lights," he said.
"I don’t know why it was closed, but
it will bring back to life that corner of the shopping centre."
Mr Thomas-Knowles came to Gravesend in
Jun
e last year.
The planned facelift - which follows
renewal of the children’s play area - includes several new shops
that will be opening in the near future.
"It was quite amazing how many people
were up in arms about me taking it away for seven days!" said the
former Army warrant officer.
The improvements are being planned
whether or not the redevelopment of the Heritage Quarter in
Gravesend gets planning approval.
Those proposals include four more
shops, and a fair bit of disruption to the church side of the
shopping centre.
"My plan is to make the place a bit
more friendly and welcoming," he said.
The centre has 36 stores and -
currently - five empty units though he expects most to be occupied
soon.
He welcomed the challenge offered by
St George’s.
"The place is battered," he admitted.
"It needs a bit of tender loving care, irrespective of whether the
plans for the Heritage Quarter are approved."
11/01/13
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