High street retailers such as H&M, Debenhams and Mothercare are high on the list of stores Burton Mail readers want to see move to the planned new Burton Shopping Park.
But it comes as many readers raised concerns about potential traffic problems on roads around the new shopping park. The new plans and images of how the centre would look show proposals for three larger and five smaller retail units located on Burton Rugby Club’s Peel Croft ground and the neighbouring former Blockbusters store location.
There would be a total of 222 car parking spaces and shoppers would access the development from Lichfield Street, opposite St Peter’s Retail Park, and then they would exit off Orchard Street.
And while readers have been suggesting big names they would like to see come to the town, many have suggested the scheme could add to the traffic congestion at the nearby island; problems which are made worse by the well used nearby pedestrian crossings.
Jess Meadows posted on the Burton Mail’s Facebook page: "I'm just hoping if this goes ahead they think about the traffic because it's already terrible around there and St Peter's Bridge. We could do with another bridge."
Christina Walker said: "Right at the end of St Peter's Bridge, traffic will be even more awesome. Why not sort out/refresh/renew/modernise what we already have, rather than create more issues at a new site?"
John Shilton said: "They won't want to come to Burton while there's constant traffic gridlock."
However, other readers are excited at the prospect of more choice when it comes to shops.
Joanne Billings had the largest list of potential shops for the town suggesting: "M&S Home, Debenhams, John Lewis, House of Fraser, Miss Selfridge, Lakeland, Wagamamas, GBK, Pizza Express, Mint Velvet, Whistles, Hobbs, Laura Ashley. The list goes on. Just no more cheap stores like Home Bargains, and we don't need another Next or Costa."
Many others suggested a Mothercare, following the closure of the store in Cooper Square shopping centre in the town, high street fashion retailer H&M, which has long-been a rumoured contender for coming to Burton and a Debenhams or John Lewis.
Other readers hope that the park will house entertainment such as the longed-for trampoline centre, bowling alley or central soft play area.
Lorraine Carlile said: "Bring a bowling alley back. They should never have got rid of it in the first place. It just needed doing up. Ice skating and roller skating; something for kids to do and also for families to go too."
Steve Smith came up with the unique idea of having a huge filmscreen.
However, others believed the town centre needs to be looked at before any more retail parks are built.
Paul Bradbury said: "There's empty units in the high street along with several thousand charity shops. Do we really need another retail park?"
Richard Spencelayh said: "Should be renovating and filling all the empty units around town rather than building new ones. Burton is full of charity shops and fast food outlets."
Janet Clayton said: "Shops in Burton look like they are struggling enough, put all that up [at Burton Shopping Park] and say goodbye to more shops and small businesses in the town centre."
If plans for the shopping park are approved for the Peel Croft ground and neighbouring buildings it will help fund the town’s rugby club's move to new facilities. The rugby club has played at Peel Croft for more than 100 years.
Detailed plans for the development's layout and appearance have been submitted to East Staffordshire Borough Council for approval.
Comments on the application will be accepted by the council until August 30 with a decision expected shortly after.
