Lister Gate is on the up - but serious issues need tackling

CONCERNS ABOUT HOMELESS PEOPLE, SHOP DOORWAYS BEING USED AS TOILETS, DRUG-TAKING AND ILLEGAL DRIVING

- By GEORGE PALMER-SOADY

BUSINESSES in Lister Gate say there are signs that the once bustling shopping street could be returning to its former glory - but concern have been raised about problems that could hamper its revival.

People defecating in shop doorways, drugs being openly taken and cars whizzing around the pedestrianised area are among concerns raised about the struggling street.

The street was once one of Nottingham’s busiest shopping thoroughfares, offering a number of national retailers.

But in recent years, Lister Gate has cast a grey shadow on the city centre, with the majority of units sitting empty and unoccupied since the closure and partial demolition of the Broadmarsh Centre.

However, a string of new businesses moving into the street - from the staple chain Costa Coffee to the trendy London salad bar Tossed - could be a sign the area is finally bouncing back.

High street clothing brand Superdry is the most recent store to open in the area after its Victoria Centre branch closed - bucking the trend of businesses leaving Lister Gate and moving to the shopping centre.

The redevelopment of the former Broad Marsh, which includes the blossoming Green Heart park and construction of a major £25 million NHS facility, has contributed to optimism about the area’s future.

But the man at the helm of one of the area’s longest-standing businesses has warned of rampant antisocial behaviour that has become commonplace on the street, fearing this will stand in the way of progress.

“It's great businesses are coming back as this area’s a great part of town, but there are bigger issues here,’ says Philip Trease, managing director of Weavers.