Footfall in Chorley town centre significantly up

Footfall in Chorley town centre was up significantly during the first week of December compared to the same week in previous years.

Visitor numbers increased over 6%, with Tuesday (market day) and Saturday being the more popular days for shoppers.

This increase in town centre visitors comes a week after the opening of the M & S Foodhall, the first business to open in the new Market Walk shopping centre extension. Traders are looking forward to more shoppers in town with further businesses set to open in the new development in the coming weeks.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader of Chorley Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see all of the hard work coming together and having a positive impact on visitor numbers in Chorley town centre.

The addition of these exciting new businesses provides more reasons for people to visit Chorley town centre and in turn giving a boost to local traders.”

Week commencing 2 December 2019 saw 86,343 visitors to the Market Walk Shopping Centre in 2019 compared to 81,225 in 2018.

The next to open its doors within the development will be Reel Cinema, planned to open 20 December, with online bookings already being taken.

Chorley entrepreneurs Ian and Lorraine Kearney will open The Escape Entertainment Venue on Saturday 21 December which will include bowling, adventure golf, plus bar/restaurant.

Ian said: “Escape will be a high-quality entertainment venue providing fun and leisure time for people of all ages and abilities, right in the heart of Chorley.  At a time when many High Streets are dying, we hope that Escape will help offer the people of Chorley their own entertainment venue which means they can choose to stay local and not have to travel to other towns for bowling and golf.”

The New Year will see national restaurant chain Loungers open the Calico Lounge in the Market Walk extension on 15 January, with a unique atmosphere and menus that offer something for everyone.

“This is an extremely exciting time for Chorley. The addition of entertainment venues, restaurants and much more, makes Chorley a vibrant town which people will want to visit.” Councillor Alistair Bradley.

This increase in town centre visitors will also benefit existing retailers in Market Walk. High street favourites such as Boots, Peacocks, H Samuel, The Fragrance Shop, JD Sports and Game to name but a few are stocked up with gifts for all the family. If shoppers are in need of a refreshment break, the town offers various options, including the new Greggs that opened in Market Walk last week.

Further businesses are planned to take occupancy of the remaining units at the Market Walk extension in the early part of 2020.

For more information about what’s happening in Market Walk visit: www.marketwalkchorley.co.uk or follow on Facebook @mwchorley