BUSINESSES IN BILLINGHAM TOWN CENTRE REPORT POSTIVE START TO THE YEAR

Businesses in Billingham Town Centre are enjoying an optimistic start to the year, with retailers reporting positive trading figures for the first quarter of the year (Jan-March ’15).  

These encouraging signs follow a successful Christmas period, during which a number of businesses in the town centre experienced a year on year increase in trading and a rise in footfall figures.

Rob Richardson, Asset Manager at St. Modwen, which owns and manages the town centre, said: “It is very encouraging that businesses in Billingham Town Centre are able to report positive news with regard to both trading and footfall. Many independent businesses are also reporting steady levels of trade.

“Since our purchase of the town centre late last year, our plans have focused on regenerating the centre to help existing business to strengthen and grow as well as attracting new businesses.”

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “Our Billingham pub is extremely popular and is an important part of the fabric of the town. We look forward to a very successful future here.”

New businesses to Billingham Town Centre include independent retailer, Peter English Flooring, a carpet and flooring specialist and discount food retailer, Aldi, which will also be opening a new store early in 2016 on the site of the derelict Billingham Arms hotel.

St. Modwen is working with the Leeds office of Colliers International and CPNE (Commercial Property North East) to bring new businesses to the town centre.

Andrew Wilkinson at CPNE said: “We are seeing encouraging levels of interest in Billingham Town Centre from new retailers, as work continues to revitalise the town centre in order to deliver a modern and attractive retail, leisure and business environment.”