Bargain store Poundstretcher quits city centre
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A QUESTION mark hangs over the future of one of the city centre’s most prominent shop spaces as Poundstretcher quit its Bridge Street location yesterday.
The retailer has occupied the site close to Inverness Museum and Art Gallery and the castle for decades, but a To Let sign has been hanging outside since November.
A spokesman for the retailer said it found “newer stores perform really well”, adding: “We always look to relocate to a better location and premises.”
Community leaders have lamented the loss of yet another major High Street presence.
Inverness Central councillor Bet McAllister said Poundstretcher’s departure would leave a “big hole” and David Richardson, development manager for the Highlands and Islands region of the Federation of Small Businesses, said its loss was “bad news for the city’s economy”.
Property agents Graham and Sibbald refused to comment, but it is understood some interest has been shown in the site.
Inverness Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stewart Nicol said the entire block where Poundstretcher is based should be knocked down.
“It is a key location within the city centre and my view would be that what it needs is a plan to start again,” he said.
“We can see the work going on at the Town House and the tower of the castle and they will be outstanding when the work is complete. They will be transformed into what Inverness needs as a city, but between them is a 1960s concrete block.
“There is a role to be played by Highland Council, the Business Improvement District (Bid) and the owners of the properties.
“It could be a stunning hotel location or retail space. There is massive potential that the current building does not help with.”
Bid manager Mike Smith said: “I agree that the whole block is a somewhat unfortunate ‘60s relic and I would welcome the chance to work with the council and others to see what can be done about improving the site.”
