Shopping boost for business
Jennifer Foulds • Published 23 Jul 2010 09:30
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HELENSBURGH is well and truly "open for business."
That's the view of a councillor, following a string of businesses opening in the town.
Three new independent shops have opened bringing old derelict premises back to life - plus a top former tourist boss has revealed her big plans for BJs nightclub.
Helensburgh woman Angela Macfarlane has told the Advertiser of her dream to re-develop the empty building into a state-of-the art gym and a planning application is currently waiting to be decided on by Argyll and Bute Council.
Meanwhile, national chain Travelodge announced last week it would be taking over Helensburgh's Commodore Hotel.
Helensburgh councillor Gary Mulvaney says the future is looking rosy for the town centre following the new developments, in conjunction with the refurbished swimming pool and CHORD project which is coming to fruition.
He said: "All of this suggests that Helensburgh is open for business and that things are changing."
It is good to see private investors having the courage to come to Helensburgh and will show the way for other potential investors who are considering looking at Helensburgh as a destination for their investment.
"I welcome the fact that vacant premises are now back in use because when you have empty premises it sends the wrong messages out to people who come to the town.
"We have seen the swimming pool done up which improves the front and the CHORD project coming to fruition.
"You can find items in Helensburgh that you will not find in the big high streets and Braeheads of this world."
Home accessories shop Stow Away has just opened on Sinclair Street, fashion store Pinkcess opened its doors on West Clyde Street and handbag boutique Sambags and Gladrags opened up next door.
The three shops have all been opened by businesswomen, two of which opted for a complete career change in launching their businesses.
Susan Maclean, who runs Sambags and Gladrags, and Katharine Crawford, of Stow Away, say the time seemed right to open up in Helensburgh.
Former Hermitage Academy teacher Susan makes beautiful children's bags and decided to open her shop after enrolling on an art course.
She said: "We only started on Thursday afternoon but already a lot of people have come in to see what we have in.
"The shop had been derelict for three years and it's not nice to see all the shops close up.
"I just like Helensburgh and a lot of visitors come here, it is one of the few towns that have small individual shops."
Katharine Crawford, who runs Stow Away, was a returning to work mum and had to decide whether to return to her original career in marketing or take a leap of faith and pursue her passion for interior design.
She said: "It was a risk to take during the economic climate but if you don't try it you never know and I didn't want to think 'what if'.
"It is early days but I'm very positive about it.
"The locals have said it is great to see a new shop opening after hearing about all the doom and gloom about shops closing on the television."
Rosneath woman Nikola Sell, who has opened Pinkcess, is just 21-years-old and
took the plunge of opening a young fashion shop after saying she noticed a gap in
the market.
She said: "I found I was having to go into Glasgow to buy clothes for nights out because there wasn't anything else for young people up here.
"I love Helensburgh, the people are so friendly and welcoming.
"The first week was steady with customers but I looked up the other day and it was jam-packed."
John Gilmour, of Helensburgh and Lomond Chamber of Commerce, is delighted that people are investing in the town centre.
He said: "We would be delighted to welcome them as members of the Chamber of Commerce.
"It is fantastic because it is showing that more shops are opening than closing
and I wish them every success."
Helensburgh community councillor Darrel Hendrie, who started a blog called 'Save Helensburgh' last year in light of the derelict shop premises, said: "It's great to see shops opening and hopefully it will revitalise the town."
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