'BRIGHT FUTURE' PREDICTION

The new manager of Didcot’s Orchard Centre predicts a bright future for the shopping centre and sees Sainsbury’s expansion plans, the wide variety of quality shops and neighbouring arts and leisure facilities as the key.

Five weeks into his tenure as manager, Steve Murray, right, says there’s little doubt that The Orchard Centre is Didcot’s major shopping destination and has a tremendous impact on the town and surrounding areas.

“I was attracted to The Orchard Centre and its potential from the start and although it’s early days, my staff and I are excited about the possibilities for the future.

“Sainsbury’s is obviously a major draw and we’re delighted they are part of the centre and it’s no secret there could be huge expansion on the cards later this year.

“There’s little doubt that a company with such a reputation would not be looking to expand if they did not see a bright future here,” said Mr Murray.

“The centre’s shops, together with our neighbours at Cornerstone Arts Centre and Cineworld cinema, make the area a focus for shopping and recreation,” he added.

“The past 18 months have been a rough ride for everyone in the UK and retailers, like many other industries, have suffered a great deal.

“It’s always disappointing to see retailers closing and the sight of empty shops in some parts of Didcot is understandably a cause for concern, but hopefully we are seeing the end of the recession, both locally and nationally, and there’s good reason for optimism.”

Mr Murray, who moved to Didcot from a shopping centre in Trowbridge, Wiltshire where he worked for five years, said there is only one unit available to let in The Orchard Centre but he is not yet in a position to market those premises at present.

“Our 99 per cent occupation of the 34 stores and offices shows the demand and popularity of The Orchard Centre among retailers; it’s very encouraging.

“Shops reported excellent trade in the lead-up to Christmas and although they were all affected by the big freeze in the early weeks of the year, they showed great resilience in remaining open and trade has picked up again.

“We’re planning a variety of events for children and adults throughout the year and shoppers can find out more on our new website as the weeks progress. We hope townsfolk will give us their support and come to see what’s on offer. I don’t think they’ll be disappointed.”