Ghost town fears over rise in rent

Published on Monday 19 May 2008 11:00

TRADERS today claimed a city shopping centre would be turned into a "ghost town" because of a hike in rent.

The Westside Plaza complex in Wester Hailes has already lost three shops since the turn of the year. At least three more are now considering closure, blaming the rise in rent charges by the centre's owners.

The owners today said a review of rent had not taken place for five years, and the affected shops were simply being brought into line with other premises.

But Imtiaz Ahmed, who owns Moneyspinners, which has been in the centre for almost 25 years, said he would be forced to shut-up shop in the summer. He is also considering closing a newsagents business he has in the centre when that lease expires next year.

He said: "My rates have been increased by 25 per cent and I just cannot afford to keep this place open. There are already a few empty spaces here and it does not make the place look nice – it would be like a ghost town."

Customers have launched a petition, signed by almost 1000 people, for Mr Ahmed to keep the shop open.

A spokesman for the centre's Quality Fare butchers said it would be reviewing the future of the shop. He added the fact that the business had eight other branches was helping pay the centre's fees.

He said: "The rates are just ridiculous this year and it makes for really difficult times." Two other businesses – Select clothes shop and an amusement arcade – have closed recently, while doubts remain over another clothes shop, Ethel Austin, which has gone into administration nationally.

Local councillor Ricky Henderson said the centre, which also includes a Greggs bakery and Bank of Scotland branch, was essential to the local economy.

He said: "I'm very concerned to hear of the problems experienced by businesses within the centre.

"It is well used by people in the area and is the main shopping outlet. There has even been talk of a supermarket being built on part of the car park."

The centre was sold off to Capital-based AWG Property & WG Mitchell venture fund for 23 million last year.

Kellie Ogilby-Wood, 21, from Morningside, who works in the centre's Bank of Scotland, said there was concern among workers over the future of many of the shops. She said: "You hear different owners every day complaining they're struggling to pay the rates."

A spokesman for AWG Property did not comment on the general issue of rents in the centre.

However, he said: "A rent review has not taken place for over five years on this particular lease (Moneyspinners]. Therefore we have to achieve a rental value which is in line with other tenants within the centre. We would be delighted to retain Moneyspinners at Westside Plaza."