Wish you were here: many people want Primark to replace outgoing M&S branch at Leamington shopping centre

B&M, Zara, John Lewis and Waitrose have been among the names of big retailers suggested by the Leamington Courier's Facebook followers to replace the soon-to-be closed M&S store at the Royal Priors shopping centre.

But fashion retailer Primark known for its large range and 'affordable prices', was the retailer most suggested when we asked the question on our Facebook page over the weekend.

Primark, B&M and Home Bargains were popular choices - but others had different ideas.

"I was in town today [and it] was absolutely packed," said one reader.

"All the coffee shops full, tables in the streets full of people, it had a real holiday feel to it. Long may that continue.

"Make it a social centre for cafes, restaurants, bars, street dining, music, festivals, entertainments.

"That is the future."

Some raised concerns about the town centre's lack of appeal to retailers due to its abundance of coffee shops, perceived lack of car parking and high rent prices on units.

M&S confirmed last week that it will be closing its large branch at the two-floor unit at the Leamington town centre shopping centre.

The company will be taking over a large retail area at the Leamington Shopping Park on the outskirts of Leamington and Warwick to provide both 'a full line' store, which includes clothing and home wares, as well as a new foodhall.Petitions have been launched to try to get M&S to reconsider closing both its Royal Priors branch and Simply Food store in Warwick as part of the Leamington Shopping Park move.

Both Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western and the Warwick Chamber of Trade have criticised M&S for 'going back on its word' over closing the branches when it had previously given assurances that these closures were not in its plans.

To give your views on what you think should replace M&S at the Royal Priors log on to Facebook and click here https://www.facebook.com/leamingtoncourier/posts/3535868703186207 or email us at [email protected]