THE impact of a landmark project which has resulted in some Barnsley Hospital services being relocated to a shopping centre has hit a business hard and its long-standing owner has urged bosses behind the scheme to act after almost two years of uncertainty.
Claire Swallow, who has run The Closet Queen for more than a decade, spoke out after the first ‘Health on the High Street’ services transferred to the Alhambra’s first floor last week, with more to follow in the new year.
The first services to transfer to the Alhambra health and wellbeing hub, in the former Wilko store on the upper floor of the centre, are ophthalmology, optometry and retinal screening and this will be followed by rheumatology, dermatology and orthotics.
The business began in an under-the-stairs cupboard but grew to Barnsley Market, several shops on The Arcade and then its current unit.
Despite praising the motives behind the move, Claire - who employs eight people at her plus-size clothing shop - believes not enough has been done to safeguard businesses’ futures given some stores had to relocate to make way for the new-look fit-out.
She’s currently in a stand-off with the council following a wrangle over a would-be move and a financial pay-off if nowhere suitable is found.
Barnsley Council bought the Alhambra which originally opened in 1991 two years ago for £4.5m with the support of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
Claire told the Chronicle: “On the face of it it's an amazing project and it’s one which I fully support - using the Alhambra for healthcare services is great due to its town centre location.
“However, since March 2024 we’ve basically been in limbo and there’s been little support.
“Currently, we’re like the house in the middle of the M62 we’re still trading but we’re in the middle of a building site, despite being open to a move elsewhere in the Alhambra or accepting a suitable financial package to relocate somewhere else in the town centre.
“A total of three alternative units were offered but were significantly too small and lacked the warehouse space necessary, as 60 per cent of our trade is done online.
“One of those units was considered viable, and plans were developed by architects, but this option was later withdrawn and a national retailer instead moved in.
“A revised settlement figure was later agreed in principle, but this was withdrawn seven days later and replaced with an original lower offer which simply wasn’t enough to cover the cost of a move.
“There’s just so much uncertainty and there has been for well over a year now - I’m desperate for a fair solution.
“People are aware that the council’s offered financial incentives to big-name businesses in the Glass Works to come to Barnsley, but what about the smaller retailers who deserve help?
“The council should give recognition that independent businesses need the same level of consideration as national chains.
“The support I’ve received from customers has been incredible.”
It’s estimated that more than 100,000 visits a year could be made to the Alhambra instead of the hospital, freeing up space and also alleviating parking issues at the Gawber site.
Claire’s current lease ends in 2028 but the council said it hopes she can remain.
“Health on the High Street is a pioneering health and wellbeing hub for all Barnsley residents,” a spokesperson added.
“It will deliver a vital public facility for the whole town, hosting a variety of services, including the newly-opened Barnsley Hospital outpatients.
“Since 2023, we’ve been working with partners on the redevelopment plans, while keeping leisure and retail in the centre.
“We’ve been talking to all our tenants, including independent businesses and national retailers, about how we do this.
“Some of the space is being re-designed, to make room for the hub, but no tenants are forced to leave./ /
“We’re very aware that a redevelopment of this size causes disruptions, especially in an operational shopping centre.
“Many alternative options have been put forward to The Closet Queen.
“This includes staying in the existing shop, moving to other shops in the centre, or negotiating a financial settlement to leave, in line with the lease provisions for the tenancy.
“The council has searched for alternative shops in the wider town centre and also provided support through the centre management team, and advice through Enterprising Barnsley.
We’re unable to expand further as it’s inappropriate to conduct business discussions in a public forum during continuing negotiations.
“However, we recognise that The Closet Queen is a fantastic local business, and we hope that they will continue to trade in the borough.”
