KFC show interest, but Primark move is a no go

This week YOUR Gainsborough Standard sets the record straight, bringing some good news, and some not so good.

Since it closed in April 2008 the old Gainsborough Magistrates’ Court has been a blight on Roseway, its run down precincts attracting vandals and gangs of youths at night.

But a new kind of customer could be coming soon - one with a taste for finger lickin’ chicken.

Fast food giant KFC has shown an interest in opening a restaurant in Gainsborough.

And West Lindsey District Council have confirmed talks have begun with the owner of the court building, with a view to redeveloping the site.

Tongues began wagging in town last week when several trees around the building were cut down.

WLDC development management team leader Simon Sharp said: “The trees were not protected by Tree Preservation Orders or afforded any protection by being within a Conservation Area. However, council officers have been engaged with the owner of the site regarding a redevelopment proposal.”

A spokesman for KFC suggested a restaurant could be a positive addition to the community.

“As one of the UK’s favourite restaurants we’re always looking for new locations and we’d love to open a restaurant in Gainsborough, which would create 30-40 jobs,” they said.

“KFC can be a positive addition to any community but it’s early days for our plans and we hope to have some good news in the future.”

Over at Marshall’s Yard a brand new £650,000 department store will open in August, in the large unit left by Carpet Right which will close this spring.

Prestigious family business Browns Of York plans to add Gainsborough to its list of locations in York, Helmsley and Beverley in Yorkshire.

The store will span two floors, selling men’s and ladies’ fashion, perfumes and cosmetics.

Designers Jamieson Smith Associates have planned a stunning interior for the Browns store, with a fresh and contemporary look.

A glass lift and sweeping staircase will take shoppers to the first floor.

It will create 24 new jobs for the town, and recruitment starts in June.

Managing director of the Browns group, Nick Brown, said there were lots of ‘exciting’ things happening in the town.

“Gainsborough is a great market town and Marshall’s Yard is a really stunning development – we are extremely excited to be joining so many other well established retail names and look forward to being a part of the town,” he said.

Readers who had hoped high street bargain store Primark might be setting up shop in Gainsborough are to be disappointed.

Local entrepreneur Peter Swann has quashed rumours that Primark had bought his State Club venue on Church Street.

The company had ‘no comment’ to make to the Standard, but they did not rule out the possibility.

“Primark have not been in touch with me about the State Club,” said Mr Swann, who closed the venue in December 2010 due to financial difficulties.

He said the lease was still for sale, with the licence intact, ready for any potential business.

But Mr Swann said he was not giving up on the State Club completely, hoping to resurrect the bustling nightlife once enjoyed at the club.

“It doesn’t matter to me who buys it, we want to provide what we can for the town,” he said.

“If anyone shows an interest, we’ll have to consider that.”

“But while I’ve still got it there’s a possibility that later in the year we might put on a couple of one-off events, like a band night and a club night.”

Mr Swann, who is also preparing plans for a new Gainsborough Trinity football ground, said his other asset The Sands venue in Market Place would not re-open.