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‘Knightsbridge’ days set to return

Betty Anderson
21/11/2007

WILMSLOW has shot to the top of the shopping list for top brand retailers.

And the town is now buzzing with premier label businesses eyeing up the shopping centre ready to move in.

Within weeks a clutch of empty shops will be ready for trading signalling a revival back to its glory days when Wilmslow was on the map as the Knightsbridge of the North.

Among those waiting in the wings is upmarket designer paint and wallpaper manufacturer Farrow and Ball which is to open on Church Street.

And a prestige restaurant chain has snapped up the empty McDonald’s premises in Water Lane which ceased trading just weeks ago.

A spokesman for agents Lambert Smith Hampton, said there had been massive interest from upmarket retailers and a niche client was ready to sign the contract.

Although he declined to name the operator he said: "It’s one of the upmarket restaurant chains. It will be more Wilmslow than McDonald’s."

Exclusive women’s designer Caroline Charles opened on Water Lane recently followed by another top label designer fashion boutique Caroline of Water Lane.

On Grove Street shopfitters are preparing several sites for new clients eagerly awaiting their chance to trade in the town taking over shops which were vacated earlier in the year.

Recently Gourmet Burger Kitchen moved into Alderley Road as well as luxury chocolatier Simon Dunn and both report business is booming.

The upturn follows a slump last summer when roadworks wrecked retail trade and comes after fears that shoppers may desert the town because of the disruption.

But longstanding retailer, Mike Williams of Benetton said business was the best in 25 years.

Chairman of Wilmslow Business Group Dave Bolton said: "It’s exciting to see new brands coming in and opening up.

"As a business group we’ve been pushing things like the Christmas lights and rejuvenating the town centre.

"We will be actively challenging the council next year with a view to how they see Wilmslow developing in the future."

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