THE owners of the Orchard Shopping Centre say the outlet could be expanded if they can attract some major retailers before the summer.

The centre, which houses shops such as the Hatchers department store, Waterstone's and Card Factory, was bought by a branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) earlier this year.

A spokesman for RBS said they are working with agents and architects to look at an expansion.

They added: “This could provide retailers with the space they need in this vibrant county town, with a mix of large spaces for major retailers and smaller unit shops at more modest rents.

“We have had fantastic pro-active support from the highest level down within the council and from their colleagues in Project Taunton.”

RBS say they are starting discussions with some major retailers but the viability of the scheme will be determined by whether they come forward in the next few months and are willing to pay the rents.

The development will be mentioned at a Taunton Deane Council meeting tonight (April 9) with leader Cllr John Williams describing the plans as ‘deliverable and with great potential’ in his notes.

Currently the shopping centre is 135,000 sq ft and the aim is to expand it by another 105,000 sq ft of shopping space.

Although the majority of the units within the centre are in use, the largest remains empty after the closure of JJB Sports last year.

A spokesman for Orchard Shopping Centre they could not comment on the matter and were discussing the developments at a metting on April 22.

Plenty of you have been getting in touch on Twitter about the rumours.

@FDSimonHM tweeted: "To be honest if they can fill them with decent shops then yes, go ahead but if its more charity shops and bookies then no!"

@barndoorio also tweeted: "If its modern high quality shops indoors it must be a good thing. No more pawn, coffee, charity or hairdressers tho plse."

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