Robbs store to make way for £40m revamp

May 17 2008 by Ben Guy, The Journal

A SHOP dynasty is set to come to an end with the closure of one of Northumberland’s most famous stores.

The owners of the building that is home to the Robbs department store in Hexham have announced plans for a £40m development of the site that is likely to see the building demolished.

Buccleuch Property, which bought the store 18 months ago, said it intends to create a “remarkable” new building that will provide visitors to the town with a “memorable” shopping experience.

Nick Waugh, commercial property director for the firm, said: “We would like to create a very modern, contemporary and stylish building that would fit well with and make the most of the existing architecture of Hexham.

“Internally, the retail space would be open plan and more conducive for shoppers and concessionary retailers within the stores creating a truly remarkable building and in turn, provide locals with a memorable shopping experience.”

It is not yet clear what will happen to the 129 Robbs’ staff who last summer survived the threat of the store being closed completely, before the store’s lease was bought in a dramatic last minute deal by Vergo Retail.

The lease has two more years to run and it is likely that the store will continue to trade during that period.

Mr Waugh said: “Robbs is an important retail landmark in the heart of Hexham, spanning some 85 years, and along with other major retailers helps attract thousands of shoppers into the town centre every week.

“The agreement has been created to build stability for the store’s owners and its staff and to ably assist its position as the number one retail destination within Hexham, but also provide us with flexibility when it comes to the future development of the site.

“The development will be carried out within the framework of a full and robust consultation with Tynedale Council, Hexham Civic Society, local councils and the general public which will help us formulate an overarching strategy for the best way to make the store work for the retailer, shoppers and residents.

“Past experiences have shown us that redevelopments of this size can cost up to £40m or more.”

Richard Robson, chief executive at Tynedale Council, said the council would be working closely with Buccleuch on the store’s redevelopment.

He said: “We are extremely pleased that Robbs’ future has been secured following the difficulties that have been experienced over the past year or so.

“The store has bounced back to provide a much needed retail facility in the town that is valued by local people.

“We are committed to working closely with Buccleuch Property on a longer term redevelopment of the store which offers the opportunity for us to hugely enhance the retail and economic strength of Hexham.”

For previous stories about Robbs, click the links below

Store faces new threat

Sacked by fire alarm

Deal to save Robbs is almost complete