Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

There is hope that Chichester can still thrive, despite the closure of a major business, as wholesale changes are set to take place in the city centre.

Following news that popular retailer Next is closing its East Street store, it became apparent that another clothing giant, New Look, could be about to move in.

New Look closed its former East Street store on Sunday but this came after a planning application was submitted, requesting permission to install signage at The Corn Exchange — a Grade II listed building.

"It’s good to see that New Look still see Chichester as a positive investment proposition and wish to retain their presence on our high street," said Helen Marshall, vice chairman and CEO of Chichester's Business Improvement District (BID). Read more here

East Street, Chichester. Photo: Kate Shemilt

Although Next is not due to close until October 21, the former New Look shop is now vacant and there are already rumours about a potential replacement.

Sports Direct, owned by the Frasers Group, is reportedly planning a move into the site.

A planning application has been submitted, requesting permission to respray the shopfront with paint and install new signage.

Meanwhile, internal works are underway at the old Russell and Bromley store in South Street.

Next will close its store at The Corn Exchange on October 21

The shoe store revealed in August that its closure was due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’ and speculation is rife that clothing retail company Anthropologie could be moving into the vacant shop by the Market Cross.

The Frasers Group and Anthropologie have, so far, not responded to requests for comment.

A Chichester District Council spokesperson said: “We are committed to supporting retailers and businesses in both the city centre and across the district. This is more important than ever especially as our district recovers from the economic effects of the pandemic.

"To help our businesses through the coronavirus lockdowns and to help them bounce back following the pandemic, we provided Covid Recovery grants and issued millions of pounds of Government Covid-19 grants.

New Look closed its former East Street store on Sunday. Photo: Google Street View

"We also have a variety of other schemes, grants and projects dedicated to supporting district businesses, such as; a business support contact scheme, where we work directly with all types of local businesses to offer advice and information on a range of issues; an enabling grants scheme to give small businesses the opportunity to access funding that will help them to grow and develop; a pop-up shop scheme located in Crane Street, Chichester, that gives local start-up businesses and entrepreneurs the chance to trade in a high street location without the commitment or cost of a longer-term lease and access to free online training for independent retailers and other interested businesses, with a grants scheme to follow."

The council has also developed an events strategy and programme for the district 'to help encourage more footfall'.

The spokesperson added: "Event examples include the recent Summer Street Party in Chichester city centre which was extremely successful, and the forthcoming Cross Market & More event

Chichester could see new store openings after retail outlets close