Speculation Grows That Morrison’s Is Set For The Upper High Street

Published on: 9 May, 2013
Updated on: 16 May, 2013

The former Argos store in the Upper High Street has been empty for around two years

By Maria Rayner

The buzz around the Upper High Street is that supermarket giant Morrison’s is about to move into the former Argos premises.

The large unit has been vacant for around two years and neighbouring businesses are quietly curious about the activities of shopfitters at 193 High Street.

A subcontractor working at the store on Wednesday said: “People from Morrison’s were looking around on Tuesday but it’s best to talk to the landlord for more information.”

Reaction to the rumour was mixed. Gill Rayment, who works across the road at Pandora craft shop, said: “Personally I feel sorry for McColls which has only just relocated, but my boss will be pleased because he’ll have somewhere to buy his sandwiches now Greggs has moved.” She added that the increased footfall could benefit their shop.

Staff at MacColls weren’t so happy. Supervisor Chris Cake said, “We’re going to lose a whole lot of shoppers [if Morrison’s move in]. We’ll struggle to sell things like booze.”

Anita Hyman from Top Table gave the news a cautious welcome. “The site’s been empty for two years and is an eyesore. This has been the best area of town for big money shops. I’ve not known Morrison’s to have a metro-style store and I’d prefer Tesco.”

Concern was expressed over the lack of parking for a supermarket with Ms Hyman adding that the previous shop, Argos, had “caused havoc”.

Morrison’s, James French, said: “We don’t comment on speculation. This hasn’t come across my desk yet.”

Responses to Speculation Grows That Morrison’s Is Set For The Upper High Street

Stuart Green Reply

May 11, 2013 at 1:03 am

Prime site for a Morrisons ‘M Local’ store, and well needed in Guildford. Way better than any Tesco Express…. it will happen, as per their well publicised M Local expansion plans.
Jim Allen Reply

May 12, 2013 at 3:16 pm

Increased use of shop premises in the primary shopping centre! What ever next?

Planners should ensure the proper use of purpose built premises in the proper location. It should be all about keeping the vitality of the ‘primary main town’. This is what the sequential test is about, keeping shops in the shopping centre. As long as they don’t do an ‘Aldershot, which you’ve got to see to believe. That would be be totally inappropriate.

I say good luck and happy trading to who ever takes on these premises.
Peter Kavanagh Reply

June 5, 2013 at 7:46 am

The premises licence application forms for selling alcohol have gone up on the windows (and the application is now on the Guildford Borough Council website). Confirmation that Morrisons is the applicant.