The closure of a substantial shopping center has actually been referred to as the “end of an era”.
De Bradelei Wharf, in Dover, is shutting today after 21 years, with 25 members of staff being made redundant.
But it is not understood what will occur to the big building, in Cambridge Road, with owners Dover Harbour Board presently still “scoping out potential future uses”.
Site supervisor Sally-Ann Vokes informed KentOnline: “It’s going to be a very sad day and the end of an era.”
Mrs Vokes said that 25 employees would be made redundant, including herself.
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Mrs Vokes said one department, girls clothes, will be relocating to a brand-new properties in Biggin Street under the name, Coastal.
De Bradelei Wharf is owned by JB Armstrong, which leases the building from Dover Harbour Board.
Its lease ended on April 7, however the authority let it remain on for 3 more months.
The closure was validated in April, with managers stating the choice followed a substantial increase in energy expenses, making the outlet centre unviable.
Renovations were likewise required at the centre.
Kieron Armstrong, director of JB Armstrong, explained that last winter season’s gas expense had actually increased 5 times from £3,000 a month to £15,000.
He included that £100,000 was required for restorations and £50,000 for insulation.
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An extra £100,000 was needed for the structural work yet.
Some parts of De Bradelei Wharf were already empty by the time of the closure statement in April.
The supervisors of the centre’s Boardwalk Cafe proceeded by June to take control of the Bank Street Cafe in Ashford.
The centre had actually been developed from previous shipyard sheds and was partially developed to bring in consumers who were travelers from Dover Cruise Terminal.
That opened at Dover Western Docks in 1996.
The 10-unit outlet had brand names such as Skopes, Pavers Shoes, Klass, Julian Charles, Gabbicci, Regatta, Weird Fish, Emma and Odyssey.
A spokesperson for the harbour board: “We are still scoping out potential future uses for the site in order that we can be primed to take advantage of new opportunities.
“We will announce the next stage as soon as that’s confirmed.”
