Currys takes over former Chester fashion store

Mar 11 2010 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

AN EMPTY city centre retail unit is to become a Currys electrical store.

The premises, in Eastgate Street, were occupied by fashion retailer USC until it went into administration at the end of 2008.

A store refit is ongoing at the unit which last year was taken over by bargain basement traders leading to consternation about the apparent decline in the fortunes of Chester’s premier shopping street.

Jo Softly, spokeswoman for DSG Retail, which owns Currys and PC World, said: “There will be a new Currys.digital store opening on Eastgate Street which will provide a great experience for our customers and is in a convenient part of the town centre.

“The current Currys.digital store on Foregate Street is closing as a part of our ongoing review of our high street store portfolio.”

Property website Place North West reports that building owners Standard Life Investments has let the 8,230sq ft to DSG for £230,000 a year on a 10-year lease.

Meanwhile, planning permission has been granted to convert The Row level part of the former USC building into a restaurant/bar.