Legal wrangles delay Poundland move to empty Nuneaton store

Legal wrangles are holding up a discount retailer relocating into the former TJ Hughes store in Nuneaton town centre.



Hopes were high that Poundland would have set up shop in the Queens Road-base or at least a date would have been set for the big move.

But the legal process is slowing things down with Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council chiefs working hard with the firm on formulating contracts.

It is unclear how long this is going to take and when a date will be announced for the relocation of one of the most popular businesses in the town centre.

A spokesperson for the borough council said: "The council is still working through the necessary legal process with Poundland but we are unable to put a time on when this process is likely to be completed."

A less forthcoming spokesperson for Poundland said: "Poundland is currently considering the acquisition of new stores to add to those already opened this year.

"The stringent acquisition process ensures the new stores are positioned in the right location and fit Poundland’s customer profile. "Due to the popularity of Poundland's product ranges, the organisation is keen not to raise anticipation for a new store before plans are finalised.

"Therefore, Poundland cannot disclose any more information at this stage. As soon as all details have been confirmed, Poundland will immediately release this information to the area in question."

TJ Hughes moved into the town back in 2010 but after less than a year of trading announced that it was cashing up its tills for good after being affected by the economic downturn.

The borough council contributed £1.6 million towards the repair and improvements to the building before TJ Hughes moved in, creating two floors and giving the space a brand new look.

Once Poundland does move into the new building it is unclear what will happen to its current Abbey Street-based site and whether it will be another empty shop in the town.

I believe the store in question was formerly a branch of Woolworths?