COLCHESTER needs more independent businesses, a Morrisons supermarket and a Zara in order to become a booming retail hub, according to Gazette readers.

Residents in the city have had their say on exactly what stores they would like to see open in the centre’s High Street and respective shopping complexes.

Since the departure of Next, Marks and Spencer, and Debenhams, shoppers have grown disheartened over the number of empty units creeping into the city.

Earlier this year, for example, independent business owner Karen Nicolaou, who runs Aspects of Beauty, said the city centre was a shadow of its former self.

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She said: “The whole atmosphere of strolling around is a pleasant experience but sadly all the shops are disappearing. Rents are high and parking is expensive.”

Gazette readers, however, have recently exercised their optimism over the future of Colchester, listing the brands they want to see fill-out the city centre.

In addition to more independent businesses, shoppers want everything from an IKEA and a John Lewis to a Lakeland and a Homesense.

Jane Evans, meanwhile, wants a Morrisons, a decent proper butchers, a decent older woman’s shop, a decent greengrocers and a fresh fish shop.

“I don’t care about brands; I just want decent shops," she added.

Zara was also a popular suggestion with readers – a shop which Sam Good, business improvement district manager for Our Colchester is hoping could materialise.  

He said: “The BID is talking with a wide range of national and independent businesses who are actively looking at bringing their brands to Colchester.

“We are currently working with Savills on a Colchester Retail Vision to set a clear direction to suit the changing needs of our city centre's retail make-up.

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“We spoke with more than 500 residents [and one of] the top three brands they want to use is Zara, which we hear a lot and would love to see come to Colchester.  

“It is also important to note organisations such as Ikea and House of Fraser are adapting their business models and moving into smaller city centres.

“[However], nobody other than the landlords have the final say over who takes what units within the city centre.

“Therefore, naturally, the sectors you will see more of within the city centre are driven by consumer behaviour, which is often a national trend as opposed to a local one.”