A TROUBLED Uttoxeter shopping centre could be set for a brighter future after it was bought by new owners.
Trinity Square has been looked after by administrators after its previous owners went bankrupt and subsequently has fallen somewhat into disrepair.
Among the businesses currently based there are the Original Factory Shop, Uttoxeter Fish Bar, Francesco Group Hair Salon, Whitecross Dental Centre and Country Meats butchers.
Following a sealed auction the shopping centre has now been snapped up by Leicesterbased businessman Shajid Latif.
He told the Advertiser he is in for the long-term at Trinity Square and wants to make it a success.
He said: “I am not looking to sell the property I will continue to rent the shops out.
“I am an investor and bought Trinity Square as a long-term investment and I think it is better as a shopping centre.
“I plan to invest in it and make it a viable shopping centre. I want to assure people this property has been bought by a person who is committed to it and it will be there for good.
“I have fully-paid for the centre — there is no mortgage and no banks involved and I am sound businessman and people can be rest assured I am there to stay.” Mr Latif said he hoped the impending JCB legacy development on land adjacent to Trinity Road will help drive traffic to Trinity Square.
The continued success of the current businesses and particularly the Original Factory Shop in the former Somerfield supermarket premises were also important factors, he said.
The Original Factory Shop posted a 6.4 per cent increase in like-for-like sales for the first half of the year to September 30, showing people are still visiting Trinity Square.
Mr Latif is seeking businesses to fill the one vacant unit at the shopping centre which was formerly home to Trinity Bakery.
Anyone interested can contact him on 07860 786541.
