THE ICELAND store in Bromsgrove town centre is set to close its doors at the end of trading today.
The frozen food giant took the decision to shut the shop and instead direct people to the larger Iceland Food Warehouse on the Birmingham Road Retail Park.
The Iceland Food Warehouse opened in October 2018 and is larger with a wider range.
But a large number of the town centre users argue they do so because of its convenience and were not as bothered about a larger variety of items. It is also a blow to elderly and vulnerable people – particularly those who have no car and use public transport. The shop is within metres of the bus station.
When we revealed the news last month, the decision was heavily criticised on our letters page by Standard readers.
There has been no news about businesses potentially taking up residence in the Iceland building, which has a key position in the town.
Among the suggestions of what shoppers would like to see have ranged from other budget frozen food stores, such as Heron Foods and FarmFoods to a Sainsbury’s Local or Tesco Express. Some wanted an M&S Food Hall or a Primark.
The history of the building
The 12 Mill Lane building Iceland currently occupies was built in the 1970s, along with ten adjacent smaller units along the same stretch and into the High Street.
Historian Pat Tansell has shed light on its past.
She said: “It originally occupied by Key Markets which was a small supermarket.
“Bejam which sold frozen foods took over the site from Key Markets circa 1984.
“I think Iceland have been in Mill Lane since 1989 when Iceland acquired the Bejam stores.”
The Standard has been contacting Iceland Foods for the past fortnight, both by phone and email, but no-one has returned our calls and messages.
Other town centre closures
Today’s closure comes after others recently in Bromsgrove town centre, including M&Co and NatWest bank.
- What do you think about Bromsgrove town centre’s offering? What shops would you like to see in the High Street? Email your views to [email protected]
