A unit in Stevenage's Roaring Meg retail park could be split into two to make it "more attractive to prospective tenants and shoppers".
Unit 3 has been empty since its previous occupant, Argos, closed its doors for good in November last year.
Now, Isle of Man-based Stevenage Retail Ltd, which owns the retail park as part of its 9Yards portfolio, is planning to "carry out a series of carefully focussed improvements, to enhance the tenant mix and create a better customer experience".
According to a Design and Access Statement submitted to the borough council, potential tenants are currently being "put off" by factors including a lack of windows at the front of the store, a lack of prominence in the Retail Park, and a large unit that is "difficult to let".
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Developers intend to keep the unit for retail use, with the unit split into two stores, half the width of the previous Argos store. Works would also significantly increase the amount of window space at the front of the stores, and ensure it wrapped around the side of the unit too.
It is hoped that the development will "bring the appearance of the building up to the same level as other, newer, units in the park".
The application describes the refurbishment of the unit as being "the next phase in a series of planned improvements", which include the recently announced proposals to construct a link road between the North and South car parks at the retail park.
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