A new Sports Direct store has opened in Scunthorpe town centre, with residents encouraged to shop local and stay safe this Christmas.
Sports Direct has relocated to a prime site on Cole Street in The Parishes Shopping Centre, and is joined by fashion store USC, video gaming specialists GAME, a 24 seat Belong gaming arena and Evans Cycles.
Scunthorpe MP, Holly Mumby-Croft, officially opened the new store on Saturday 5 December with Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Rob Waltham, The Centre Manager of the Parishes Shopping Centre, Linda Blow and Manager of Sports Direct Scunthorpe, Craig McMillan.
Cllr Waltham, said:
“We are thrilled to see the new Sports Direct store open its doors.
“That Sports Direct has chosen to invest here in Scunthorpe is a huge boost and a real show of confidence in our exciting plans for the future development of the town.
“This is a prime location in the heart of the town centre and the five businesses in the store are sure to offer something different to shoppers and increase footfall.
“This Christmas we are encouraging people to stay safe and shop local when stocking up on their presents; lots of unique gifts can be purchased on the high street, and by doing this you are directly supporting the local economy.”
The opening of the store continues the Government-backed rejuvenation of the town centre.
Holly Mumby-Croft, MP for Scunthorpe, said:
“It is fantastic to see such a commitment to the town centre in Scunthorpe. Only a week ago we heard the great news about the potential £27m investment through the Towns Fund, the momentum is beginning to build in the town.
“This new store opening is another great reason for people to shop local and shop safe.”
Since 2015, £40m of funding has been invested in Scunthorpe town centre by North Lincolnshire Council and Government alongside businesses and educational institutions – creating hundreds of new jobs and quality public space
Last week it was announced that the council has submitted bold plans for an additional £27m of investment across Scunthorpe through the Town Deal programme, detailing plans to further develop the town’s cultural quarter in and around Church Square and establish a health and emergency services hub and an advanced manufacturing park.
With more retailers opening their doors local public health officials are calling on shoppers to stay safe as they stock up, following simple guidelines:
- Wear a face covering
- Observe the number of people allowed in the shop
- Keep the two-metre distance from other shoppers where possible
- Use hand sanitiser and wash hands whenever you can
- Only touch items you intend to buy
- Pay by contactless card where possible
- Bring your own bags
- Be kind – some people find adapting to the new rules difficult
Visitors can enjoy free parking in Scunthorpe town centre at weekends. On weekdays there is two-hours free parking. It is free to park after 2pm in Parishes and 3pm in Allanby Street.
