Councillors and residents have their say on the towns empty lots

The closures are adding to the increasing number of empty buildings in the town.

Pandora, on Risman Way in Washington Square, closed earlier this year on January 31. Akitts, on Campbell-Savours Way also closed this year. The local firm also used to run a shop in Whitehaven, but that closed in 2017 after its lease came to end on its Lowther Street premises.

Debenhams and H&M were two big chains that left the town centre.

Eclipse Bowling and the Plaza Cinema also closed.

Councillors and residents have had their say on what they would like to see replace and take over these empty buildings and bring more life back into the town.

Karen Marie Gyles said:

"Warm social hubs. A place to make new friends, learn skills and crafts, keep warm and have some nutritious food. Much like the one in Whitehaven."

Debenhams in Workington is a huge lot space sat empty (Image: Newsquest)

Kirky Boxenc said:

"Local businesses for local people by local people. With support from organisations who are in a position to help with costs, advice and support."

Catrina Bundey followed suit suggesting:

"Local stores with local goods!" and Mark Thompson agreed "Yep all local stuff...No need to go out to Keswick or Cockermouth..plus will attract visitors to buy as well"

Victoria A Williamson said:

"Definitely need somewhere decent for kids, a swimming centre with slides, a games arcade and caving/rock climbing would be good."

Joan Pritchard said:

"A real bakers, a butchers, clothes shops, women's, men's and kids. Fruit and veg shop. The basics really."

Julie Moir suggested something different whilst the shops sit empty, she said:

"Surely the empty shops could be used to show off schools or community arts and crafts etc what they create over the years instead of empty shops at least folks would see a display in the window than boarded etc. But we need something. A place for the public to meet for a chat, help, advice and a cuppa in town. Something for the teenagers. Indoor local produce, art, crafts."

Pandora announced the closure of its Workington store early this year (Image: Newsquest)

Councillor Paul Scott for St Johns Workington chimed in and said: 

"For me when it comes to Workington Town Centre, we definitely need something like Primark and I know that there is a TK Maxx looking at coming in but it would be beneficial if a flagship store came in."

"We need to keep it for shopping use as there is obviously no more shopping centres in Allerdale but we need to do more to encourage small traders into the town, especially fruit and veg shops. That all has to be supported by business rates and rent reductions."

"Getting these shops filled should be a number one priority of the council. Everyone wants to see a good looking area, you do not want to see boarded up shops- and there needs to be a lot more work in that area, and more than what we are currently doing."

Councillor Barbara Cannon, for St Michaels Workington said: 

"We need a vibrant town with vibrant businesses so we need them back. I think the pandemic and economic climate has contributed to these closures."

"It will take more work than we expect but I would like to think as a town we can attract shops back in due course. I would encourage people to shop locally wherever possible and then we can welcome more local businesses."

"What people want isn't always what will happen but shopping locally will encourage the footfall in the town and then that encourages investors in the town."

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