Chelmsford shoppers have revealed a town centre wish list of more top class retailers and a museum with art gallery.
The suggestions follow an extensive survey on the county town's future by Chelmsford Town Centre Management.
Initial signs from the survey, which started last weekend and continues into next week, are that a large proportion of the hundreds of people questioned want a new arts facility in the town.
They have also revealed they would not go to Lakeside and Bluewater if Chelmsford's pedestrianised centre had other big name stores.
A surprising number of people have said they still miss the Bolingbroke and Wenley department store although it was closed, demolished and replaced three years ago.
Peter Charman, development chief of Writtle College, is running the survey.
He said he has been surprised by the positive reaction from the public.
He feared public dislike of High Street researchers would put people off responding to the survey, but he still wants more people to have their say.
"It is vital for the future prosperity of Chelmsford as a whole that the town centre continues to be managed well.
"Major retailers, who we know would very much like to establish themselves in Chelmsford, have to be convinced that their investment is worthwhile."
The survey continues today (Friday) at Backnang Square, Thursday May 22 in The Meadows; Friday May 23 at High Chelmer, and Saturday May 24 in The Meadows.
Published Friday, May 16, 2003
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