B&M and Superdrug have been confirmed as the final retailers heading to Newport’s new St George’s Retail Park, but uncertainty now surrounds the future of both brands’ existing High Street stores.
It can be revealed that the unit now destined for Superdrug had originally been earmarked for Hobbycraft, suggesting hopes of bringing the arts and crafts retailer to the Isle of Wight for the first time have been quietly shelved.
Island Echo has already revealed that Aldi, Wren Kitchens, Costa Coffee and McDonald’s are all set to open at the former Newport IW FC ground off St George’s Way later this year.
It has now been confirmed that B&M – not Wickes – will occupy the remaining large retail unit, complete with an outdoor garden centre, while Superdrug is to take the final smaller unit, completing the line-up at the long-awaited development.
It remains unclear whether B&M intends to relocate from its existing High Street store in the former BHS building or continue operating 2 Isle of Wight branches. Likewise, there has been no indication whether Superdrug will retain its current Newport town centre store.
Should both retailers move out of the High Street, it would leave 2 more prominent retail units vacant and represent another setback for Newport town centre.
The revelation that Hobbycraft had originally been lined up for a unit at the retail park will come as a disappointment to many Islanders, with the national retailer having never had a presence on the Isle of Wight.
Construction is progressing at pace, but no opening date has yet been set – although shoppers should expect to be heading to St George’s by December.
