Outgoing manager's hopes for future of shopping centre
It was the end of an era this week as the manager of a Bury St Edmunds shopping centre left her office for the last time.
After nearly 14 years at the helm, Chrissy Harrod said goodbye to Cornhill Walk Shopping Centre on Monday, after her job was made redundant as a result of the recession.
But while Chrissy was sad to be leaving, she said she had high hopes the centre - which is home to Buy the Light, JJB Sports and Evans - would eventually return to 'what it was in its heyday'.
"The owners are not too sure what the plans are for the future," she said. "Hopefully, whatever happens will improve the Cornhill Walk and take it forward. With only three shops in there you do need it to be a bit more full."
She said the centre was a victim of the recession and the opening of the rival arc shopping centre.
"We only lost two shops to the arc, but at the same time the rest went into receivership," she said.
"I hope whatever happens with Cornhill Walk it turns around the centre to what it was in its heyday.
"I wouldn't want to put a bet on what's going to happen eventually, but I wouldn't discount the idea that it becomes two shops or one big shop. I would really love to know what is going to happen - even though I'm leaving I won't stop caring."
In her time at the centre Chrissy, who is also involved in Bury's Chamber of Commerce and the BID4Bury, has been instrumental in organising its popular festive displays, charity events, fashion shows and festival performances.
"My high points were always Christmas time at the centre and also when I became chairman of the Chamber of Commerce - that happened in the same week I got married, which was lovely," she said.
"I'm really sad to be leaving. It is a difficult time in retail and some hard decisions have to be made. The owner did say that one of the worst things about the recession was losing me. But I've had a fantastic time."
Now, Chrissie is planning to continue working hard for the Chamber of Commerce and BID4Bury and have 'a little bit of a rest'.
"At some stage I shall have to find a job," she said. "It's been quite a difficult and sad time, so I'm going to catch my breath.
"I'm going to spend some time with my husband and then see what life has to offer."
Property consultancy firm GVA Grimley, which is based in London, has taken over the management of the 22-year-old centre.
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Weather for Bury St Edmunds
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
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Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
