Letters: Bradbeers plans – ‘brilliant’ or ‘hideous’?
I HAVE just read your article (14th Feb) regarding the proposed improvements to Bradbeers.
I cannot understand why the council have objections to this proposal.
I too, like ‘old buildings’ but not ones that are currently a bit of an eyesore. The high street is looking very tired and I often wonder what visitors to the area must think. So many of the buildings and shops are in a state of disrepair.
Times are hard, financially, for everyone and I think Bradbeers have tremendous foresight to update their premises so dramatically. It would be a real boost to our town and, as has already been said, may encourage others to improve their shop fronts (a lot of which I understand belong to Bradbeers).
We are very fortunate to have this department store in our town as so many of the large department stores across the country have closed. I think the new, modern building is so much better than the current one with its rusty windows and dated look. In general I am not a fan of modern architecture but I feel this would be a good compromise and I think the majority of residents would agree.
Don't let short-sighted planning officials spoil this welcome improvement to the town.
One last note: I hope there are plans to improve the toilet facilities as they currently let down this store. Maybe something similar to their lovely shop in Romsey.
Elizabeth Evemy
New Milton
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I HAVE just read your article regarding refurbishment of Bradbeers in New Milton high street (A&T 1th Feb).
What a bonus the store is to New Milton and all the surrounding area. It would certainly benefit from having all its units easily accessible.
The proposed new shopfront looks stylish and would help to keep New Milton centre thriving. I would fully support the acceptance of these building plans and hope NFDC do the same.
Anne Jenks
Milford
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RE Bradbeers (A&T 14th Feb), I love the store but not this proposed revamp. My first reaction was: “Hideous.”
The red brick fits in well with the post office nearby. And the comment that it looks like the M&S store does not improve its appeal!
Judith Pearce
New Milton
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WHAT a brilliant effort to bring New Milton high street into the 21st century.
I am 75 years old and cannot understand why our so-called elected representatives cannot move with the times. No wonder our country is in such a mess and nothing gets done, they all like talking with there glass half empty mentality.
Come on NFDC, whilst you still exist, congratulate the architects and the family owners of Bradbeers for their vision and give them the thumbs up!
Martin Boyd
Hordle
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I SUPPORT the proposals to revamp the exterior of Bradbeers.
From the picture on your front page (A&T 14th February), it looks much more modern than it is now.
I don’t think it would have an adverse impact on the local character.
As it is a department store, it should have a different appearance from smaller shops.
It might encourage other retailers to have an update of their exterior design and make the whole shopping street look better.
Hopefully Bradbeers will provide more details which will enable approval of the plans.
Sheila Walker
New Milton
