The announcement of shops being created at a new development in Nottinghamshire has residents feeling excited for the town's future. The new Beaumond Cross development in Newark has a Travelodge with 66 rooms and three commercial properties.
One of the units is occupied by kitchen manufacturer Kutchenhaus Newark, while a premium coffee shop and Beaumond House charity shop are expected to fill the other units. The site was formerly home to the Robin Hood Hotel, and despite many residents being sad to see the disused hotel go, they are excited to see the area being used, and are looking forward to the new shops being brought to the town.
Housekeeper, Sharon Corcoran, 61, said: "It's much nicer to see the building being used than standing empty. It makes the town seem a bit more inviting.
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"I think we have a nice town centre, so it would be nice to use the buildings we already have instead of moving outside the centre."
Newark resident Philip Lowe, 55, said: "It's loads better than it was before. When you are coming into Newark it makes it look a bit better compared to the old building. " When asked if he was pleased to see the businesses open, Philip said: "It's like everywhere, if you look around Newark town centre there are a lot of cafes and charity shops.
He feels that the town needs more "men's clothing shops and sports shops." When asked her thoughts on the new development that replaced the former hotel, a Newark resident who did not wish to be named added: "It's a shame that it was left to go into disrepair but I do like having the travel lodge in the centre of town.
"I'm glad that this whole area has been revitalised. We are getting a lot of charity shops and cafes and nail salons in the town, but I'm happy that the units are going to be used."
Housekeeper, Tracey Wood, 57, said: "We need more shops to be opened, particularly clothes shops and shoe shops." When asked how she felt about a coffee shop and charity shop opening in the development, Tracey said: "I don't think we need another one, there's plenty around the town.
"We could do with a children's shop, there's nowhere for kids' clothes." Another Newark resident who did not want to be named said: "I think it's good for Newark to have new shops.
"I don't understand why they thought it was a listed building, there's far nicer buildings in Newark. There's a lot of charity shops already, and other cafes in Newark."
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