Robbs store to make way for £40m revamp
May 17 2008 by Ben Guy, The Journal
Mixed reaction to demolition news
SHOPPERS described mixed emotions at the news that Robbs department store in Hexham is to be demolished.
Most expressed sadness at the loss of the town’s flagship store, but nearly all also agreed it was important the town moved with the times and provided the best possible shopping facilities.
Care worker Corrina Davies, 36, of Peth Head, Hexham, said that change was a good thing.
"Robbs is good, but it is very select in there and there does need to be more choice. It is a shame because it has been in the community for a while, but I do think that Hexham needs to be kept up to date."
Kirsty Pearson, 25, of Wydon Park, added: "I think it is fantastic because there are no decent shops in Hexham and this is just what we need. It is time to move on."
Retired policeman Phil Allman of Priestlands Lane, worked in Robbs as a teenager.
He said: "It is a bit sad because it is a big name in Hexham. I still try to do my shopping in there when I can. I would like to think that whatever replaces it would have the same amount of jobs and would also have some independent traders, with some local businesses."
Fiona Ewing, 40, of Greenhead, also said that it was a loss for the town, adding: "I was sad when I first heard it was going last summer, and it was good when it was saved.
"It is a nice place to go and shop, it is a bit like stepping back in time.
"I hope they replace it with something that is specific to Hexham – it is horrible when you go to places and all the shops are the same."
Support worker Julie Edwards, 26, of Hallstile Bank, said: "I suppose that you could do more with it – you could change the logo, but then that is what people recognise."
History of Robbs in Hexham
1818 Scottish weaver William Robb opens the first store in Hexham.
1890 William Robb’s grandson, James, builds a new store on the west side of Fore Street.
1928 The store extends to premises on the East side of Fore Street.
1986 Robbs merges with William Joplings Ltd of Sunderland; work begins on the £1.25m Robbs at Tynedale Park
1987 The merged businesses are sold to the Merchant Retail Group.
1989 Robbs at Tynedale Park opens.
2004 Merchant Retail sells Tynedale Park to Tesco for £17m. The Robbs Fore Street Store is put up for sale.
2005 Tynedale Park closes. The Fore Street store is bought by Owen Owen for £8m.
2006 Buccleuch Group buys Fore Street building for £7.7m under a lease back scheme.
2007 Owen Owen goes into administration, before being bought out by Vergo Retail.
2008 £40m redevelopment plans unveiled.
