Bosses pledge trade boost at shopping park

The investors, headed by TV's Dragon's Den star James Caan, say the future for Crossley Retail Park in Kidderminster is bright .

Nicholas Judd, founder partner in 90 North, which has Mr Caan as chairman, said that they were already planning for the future with letting agents appointed to help find a tenant for the former Comet store.

During a visit to the town, he said they hoped to attract yet another household name to the park and for the creation of more than 50 jobs. The investors have earmarked at least £1 million to enhance the park and shopping experience.

The park is also a major employer with several hundred people already working at stores on the site.

Matthew Hills, a 34-year-old investment partner with 90 North, who has a planning and development and European and UK investment background, said: "We do not intend to be absentee landlords.

"We plan to invest money to ensure people spend time here and have a better shopping experience and are looking at ways of reconfiguring the car parks.

"We want people to come here and stay longer and then go to the town centre. Crossley Retail Park just fits with the town. It is already a very good retail park but it can be better.

"Maintaining the vitality is important and that £1 million will allow us to do what we need." The investors believe that Currys and PC World, among the stores on the park, have got the balance between internet and counter sales just right but that car parking for the collection of goods might need improving."

Nicholas Judd, chartered surveyor and founder partner of 90 North, said: "They are ahead of the game. The Range store is also very successful.