Cirencester's empty Woolworths is set to be filled by women's clothes shop (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cirencester's empty Woolworths is set to be filled by women's clothes shop

8:40am Saturday 3rd October 2009 in News By Emma Tilley

THE empty Woolworths store in Cirencester is set to be replaced by a women's clothing shop.

The High Street chain, which had a premises on Cricklade Street, closed shortly after Christmas last year when the company went into liquidation.

Wildmoor Properties, landlord of the site, has been working hard to get a new brand to take it over.

The former Woolworths store will be divided into two separate units and Scottish clothing firm, Mackays, will lease the larger shop.

It now trades under the name, M&Co and has around 300 stores nationwide and has been selling clothes for more than 50 years.

M&Co. describes itself as,"affordable fashion for those demanding style and quality," and makes ladieswear in sizes 8-18.

"It is a shame it will compete with Rackhams and we have got a lot of dress shops in the town."

Cllr Caroline Braidwood

In the planning application submitted to Cotswold District Council the company said the scheme would improve the street scene.

Singleton Architects on behalf of Mackays said: "The proposals for the shop front will enhance the appearance of the building and provide an improved townscape in this conservation area location."

Town councillor Caroline Braidwood approved of the plans but added: "It is a shame it will compete with Rackhams and we have got a lot of dress shops in the town."

Fellow councillor Andy Lichnowski welcomed the news and said: "It is great to get the shops back in."

Since the Woolworths closed rumours have been circulating around the town about what would fill the substantial shop space.

The Iceland group purchased a number of Woolworth stores across the country earlier this year but Cirencester's branch was not included in its plans.