Shoppers react to sale of Festival Place leasehold

As previously reported, the leasehold for Basingstoke's flagship shopping centre has been put up for sale by estate agents Savills, providing an investment opportunity for potential buyers.

The estate agent also said that there is strong demand for the former Debenhams space, meaning we could finally see a new business or businesses fill the unit which has been vacant since 2021.

This doesn't mean the shopping centre itself is for sale as the freehold of the site belongs to the council - similar to how a pub is owned by a brewery but has a landlord run the place.

READ MORE: Festival Place leasehold put up for sale with 'strong demand' for Debenhams unit

Peter Mitchener was optimistic (Image: Newsquest)

The Gazette visited Festival Place on Thursday, October 3, and spoke to a number of shoppers to get their reaction.

Peter Mitchener was "optimistic" for the future of the site, saying: "I'd love to see Debenhams back in use, whether in use as retail or even accommodation.

"As far as the sale is concerned, businesses have moved on and I just hope the new owners will support Festival Place, for example, all the toilets should be in use, there are some that have been closed seemingly indefinitely and it would be nice to see them back up and running.

Festival Place certainly brings a lot of people into the town and I hope it continues to do so."

SEE MORE: 'Exciting' new bowling alley AND buffet restaurant to open in Festival Place

Anita Theirkell and her friend Joan (Image: Newsquest)

Anita Theirkell and her friend Joan also spoke to the Gazette and expressed their desire for "more clothes shops."

Anita said: "It definitely needs more shops for older, mature ladies, there are not enough clothes shops for people our age which is a shame.

Joan added: "There are a lot of eating places already so I hope the new owners will bring in a lot more shops where you can buy things, rather than food, as I don't shop online so it has been difficult to find things I like recently."

Diana Burford and Anne Fletcher also spoke to the Gazette.

Diana Burford and Mr and Mrs Anne Fletcher (Image: Newsquest)

Diana said: "This is exciting, I think Debenhams really needs filling, it's just a waste at the moment.

"I think a problem a lot of businesses are finding is the rent is too high at the moment and everyone is losing out."

Anne added: "I think it could be really positive if someone buys it now, we might get some shops that sell food instead of lots of coffee shops."

Diana agreed, saying: "Yes they need to make more shops for senior citizens, and if someone buys it I hope everything is more reasonably priced."