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Eden hits back
THE man in charge of High Wycombe's new shopping centre has hit back at negative comments from Bucks Free Press readers.
For the past four weeks readers have flooded our office with letters either praising or slamming the multi-million pound Eden centre - and their comments keep coming.
But this week Daniel Tomkinson, Eden centre manager, answered shoppers' complaints over the design of the 675,000 square foot centre, the empty units inside it and the teething troubles they had experienced in the carpark where barriers and ticket machines have sometimes failed to work.
Mr Tomkinson said: "Since we have opened I think some people are surprised it's not more enclosed. It's been designed in that way for a very good reason.
"From the outset the intention with Eden was that it forms an integral part of High Wycombe town centre.
"If we had a shopping centre that was completely closed it would become a destination, and there would be little incentive for customers to spill out and enjoy the benefits of High Wycombe as a whole."
He added the open 'street scape' design of Eden also had an environmental impact as it was "naturally ventilated" and did not require a lot of heating or cooling.
Responding to readers' comments about the centre's carpark he said it had been a "huge challenge", but staff training had gone on since its March opening to improve it.
"Since we opened we have had over 100,000 cars parking with us," he added, "With a new carpark it takes a period of time for both customers and operators to get used to the way in which it works, when it reaches those kind of demands."
Shopaholics will be pleased to hear, meanwhile that some of Eden's empty units will soon be filled.
Mr Tomkinson announced that in the next six to eight weeks, ten more will be opening including two extra restaurants.
He said: "There's a lot of activity going on. We have an incredibly strong offer with the 70 plus shops we have open at the moment, and as time moves on.
"There's a lot of activity behind the hoardings and you'll see a lot more openings coming up very shortly."
Lesley Clarke, Wycombe District Council leader, also hit back to reassure residents the rest of the town had not been left behind in Eden's hype.
The council is keen to turn a lot of the High Street into an area of cafe culture, and plans are underway to fill empty shops.
But Cllr Clarke warned residents could not expect to see a transformation overnight.
She said: "We do understand there's a problem in the High Street and I think that with any high street in the land we have got problems."
She added: "We don't want lots and lots of pound shops, that's not what we're about. We want to move away from that and hopefully people will see resurgence.
"We have got a new market, which is working well. I walked down the High Street today, there are a lot of people on it so I don't believe that the High Street is dying."
Watch our interview with Mr Tomkinson and those for and against the centre by clicking the link above.
1:40pm Thursday 17th April 2008
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CommentPosted by: DaveG, Wycombe on 1:55pm Thu 17 Apr 08
Daniel, don't take too much notice of the negative comments on this site. Unfortunately, it is a unrepresentative few who make them while the silent majority are very pleased with the centre. Certainly, everyone I speak to who has been is impressed and relieved that something good is happening in Wycombe at last.
Daniel, don't take too much notice of the negative comments on this site. Unfortunately, it is a unrepresentative few who make them while the silent majority are very pleased with the centre. Certainly, everyone I speak to who has been is impressed and relieved that something good is happening in Wycombe at last.
Posted by: Plus ça change..., Wycombe on 2:22pm Thu 17 Apr 08
Fully agree with DaveG.
I too have only met people who were not only pleased but were actually excited about Eden.
It is also refreshing it is not over-enclosed.
People will put their businesses where they get best benefit from it.
Thank goodness that it is here!
Fully agree with DaveG.
I too have only met people who were not only pleased but were actually excited about Eden.
It is also refreshing it is not over-enclosed.
People will put their businesses where they get best benefit from it.
Thank goodness that it is here!
Posted by: Ivor on 2:38pm Thu 17 Apr 08
[quote]some people are surprised it's not more enclosed. It's been designed in that way for a very good reason[/quote]The wind whistling through the street with a roof on it makes for a very unpleasant shopping experience. Perhaps they should learn from their mistakes and get the problem sorted rather than making excuses?
If the centre is so green not having to pay for heating why do they leave the high-level lights in the shopping mall on all day? They are just wasting electricity and damaging the environment.
The crowds are visibly down from when the centre opened and so far from all the people I know who has visited have said they are disappointed with it. The range of goods for sale is very limited to say the least with the main products being clothes and restaurants.
The very fact that the complex has had to defend itself shows there are problems and that lots of people are disappointed.
The centre is a massive let down and waste of money. It has spoilt the town centre and the best thing that could be done to rectify the situation would be to demolish the entire complex and build a proper shopping centre in its place.
Have you read Ivor’s blog today? Click on the “Opinion” link on the menu on the left then click on “Readers Bucks Blog”.
some people are surprised it's not more enclosed. It's been designed in that way for a very good reason
The wind whistling through the street with a roof on it makes for a very unpleasant shopping experience. Perhaps they should learn from their mistakes and get the problem sorted rather than making excuses?
If the centre is so green not having to pay for heating why do they leave the high-level lights in the shopping mall on all day? They are just wasting electricity and damaging the environment.
The crowds are visibly down from when the centre opened and so far from all the people I know who has visited have said they are disappointed with it. The range of goods for sale is very limited to say the least with the main products being clothes and restaurants.
The very fact that the complex has had to defend itself shows there are problems and that lots of people are disappointed.
The centre is a massive let down and waste of money. It has spoilt the town centre and the best thing that could be done to rectify the situation would be to demolish the entire complex and build a proper shopping centre in its place.
Have you read Ivor’s blog today? Click on the “Opinion” link on the menu on the left then click on “Readers Bucks Blog”.
Posted by: littlemiss, Wycombe on 2:39pm Thu 17 Apr 08
I'm afraid that I've found quite the opposite when speaking to people. I have spoken to friends, family, work colleagues, people met randomly in the pub etc about Eden, and most people have said that they were intrigued at first, but on the whole not really that impressed, and have walked away feeling a bit disappointed. Yes having bowling is great, that's something new and much needed, and having a cinema in town in walking distance is novel. Shops wise though, we haven't gained that much in the way of new shops, and it's a real shame Eden doesn't have two levels of shops like other centres (you could still have the open air feel and effect). Eden feels completely disjointed to the rest of the town (whether that will change over time I don't know), I think a lot more could have been done to emcompass the new shopping centre and make it feel part of the town centre, rather than a strange add on. I've been down there in the rain and seen the new 'roof' leaks in places - teething problems perhaps, and for something that has been called 'Eden', you'd think there would be SOME kind of plant life in there! I really do not agree that the design will attract people to walk round other parts of the town, the open ended part of Eden by M&S etc is not in the hub of the town is it? What's around there that will entice people to walk out from Eden and then draw them to the High Street, or the Chilterns? They need to get the shop units filled with decent NEW shops and advertise these in Eden to draw people's attention, not open shops with stuff we already have, or more £1 shops. They should be more forthcoming with information about what is going to fill the spaces vacant, and when new shops will open. I see Yo! Sushi has been mentioned as a place to eat from day 1 of when the centre opened, and yet each time I have been down Eden the place is not open and there has been no news on when it will open, or if it has already! I mention this because I was personally excited about Yo! Sushi coming to Wycombe, as were a few of my friends but we have struggled to get any news on it at all.
Also Eden stays open a lot later than the rest of town, I feel it would make sense for other shops located in places like the Octagon to reflect these opening hours too, to help it feel less disjointed. Some seem to stay open, but some do shut.
Apart from that, I don't understand the point of the 'soft' opening and why it was advertised that Eden was opening, yet only SOME of the shops opened? Was this just to hit deadlines?
I do think that the themed days are good and they should perhaps focus these for the weekends. The balloon man in particular has been a favourite with children and adults alike.
In all I think that Eden could be a benefit to Wycombe, but I think that focus does need to be placed elsewhere on the town now. If you want to get people to Wycombe over places like Reading, then a lot more needs to be done. As it is currently, I would still travel to Reading or elsewhere to do shopping, because the variety we have in Wycombe is still limited. Getting better, but limited.
I'm afraid that I've found quite the opposite when speaking to people. I have spoken to friends, family, work colleagues, people met randomly in the pub etc about Eden, and most people have said that they were intrigued at first, but on the whole not really that impressed, and have walked away feeling a bit disappointed. Yes having bowling is great, that's something new and much needed, and having a cinema in town in walking distance is novel. Shops wise though, we haven't gained that much in the way of new shops, and it's a real shame Eden doesn't have two levels of shops like other centres (you could still have the open air feel and effect). Eden feels completely disjointed to the rest of the town (whether that will change over time I don't know), I think a lot more could have been done to emcompass the new shopping centre and make it feel part of the town centre, rather than a strange add on. I've been down there in the rain and seen the new 'roof' leaks in places - teething problems perhaps, and for something that has been called 'Eden', you'd think there would be SOME kind of plant life in there! I really do not agree that the design will attract people to walk round other parts of the town, the open ended part of Eden by M&S etc is not in the hub of the town is it? What's around there that will entice people to walk out from Eden and then draw them to the High Street, or the Chilterns? They need to get the shop units filled with decent NEW shops and advertise these in Eden to draw people's attention, not open shops with stuff we already have, or more £1 shops. They should be more forthcoming with information about what is going to fill the spaces vacant, and when new shops will open. I see Yo! Sushi has been mentioned as a place to eat from day 1 of when the centre opened, and yet each time I have been down Eden the place is not open and there has been no news on when it will open, or if it has already! I mention this because I was personally excited about Yo! Sushi coming to Wycombe, as were a few of my friends but we have struggled to get any news on it at all.
Also Eden stays open a lot later than the rest of town, I feel it would make sense for other shops located in places like the Octagon to reflect these opening hours too, to help it feel less disjointed. Some seem to stay open, but some do shut.
Apart from that, I don't understand the point of the 'soft' opening and why it was advertised that Eden was opening, yet only SOME of the shops opened? Was this just to hit deadlines?
I do think that the themed days are good and they should perhaps focus these for the weekends. The balloon man in particular has been a favourite with children and adults alike.
In all I think that Eden could be a benefit to Wycombe, but I think that focus does need to be placed elsewhere on the town now. If you want to get people to Wycombe over places like Reading, then a lot more needs to be done. As it is currently, I would still travel to Reading or elsewhere to do shopping, because the variety we have in Wycombe is still limited. Getting better, but limited.
Posted by: littlemiss, Wycombe on 2:42pm Thu 17 Apr 08
Wow that's one long first paragraph, sorry about that
Wow that's one long first paragraph, sorry about that
Posted by: Ivor on 2:51pm Thu 17 Apr 08
[quote]THE man in charge of High Wycombe's new shopping centre has hit back at negative comments from Bucks Free Press readers.[/quote]It’s not just the BFP readers that are being negative – it’s a significant proportion of the town!
Mark my words the complex will turn out to be the biggest white elephant ever built no matter how much desperate PR is used to try to prop it up.
[bold]Have you read Ivor’s blog today?[/bold] Click on the “Opinion” link on the menu on the left then click on “Readers Bucks Blog”.
THE man in charge of High Wycombe's new shopping centre has hit back at negative comments from Bucks Free Press readers.
It’s not just the BFP readers that are being negative – it’s a significant proportion of the town!
Mark my words the complex will turn out to be the biggest white elephant ever built no matter how much desperate PR is used to try to prop it up.
Have you read Ivor’s blog today? Click on the “Opinion” link on the menu on the left then click on “Readers Bucks Blog”.
Posted by: HamsterWheel, Prestwood on 2:58pm Thu 17 Apr 08
If Ivor doesn't like Eden, and doesn't visit, that is a major plus for the centre.
I quite like the place, only thing dappy about it is that there are no signs sticking out to indicate what shops there are. You can't see when looking down one of the "alleys" which shops are in it and many won't be bothered to walk all the way down to see. Easily rectified.
If Ivor doesn't like Eden, and doesn't visit, that is a major plus for the centre.
I quite like the place, only thing dappy about it is that there are no signs sticking out to indicate what shops there are. You can't see when looking down one of the "alleys" which shops are in it and many won't be bothered to walk all the way down to see. Easily rectified.
Posted by: Elmo, High Wycombe on 3:00pm Thu 17 Apr 08
[quote]Mr Tomkinson said: "Since we have opened I think some people are surprised it's not more enclosed. It's been designed in that way for a very good reason.
"From the outset the intention with Eden was that it forms an integral part of High Wycombe town centre.[/quote]
Unfortunately this piece of spin doesn't quite work, the open areas of the centre don't lead anywhere near the rest of the town centre, rather they open onto derelict offices and a busy, multi-lane through road. The actual connections to the town centre, the alley where the indoor craft market was and the doors near Lloyds bank have both been rather restricted.
However to suggest it is not an improvement over Bridge street carpark is pure idiocy.
Mr Tomkinson said: "Since we have opened I think some people are surprised it's not more enclosed. It's been designed in that way for a very good reason.
"From the outset the intention with Eden was that it forms an integral part of High Wycombe town centre.
Unfortunately this piece of spin doesn't quite work, the open areas of the centre don't lead anywhere near the rest of the town centre, rather they open onto derelict offices and a busy, multi-lane through road. The actual connections to the town centre, the alley where the indoor craft market was and the doors near Lloyds bank have both been rather restricted.
However to suggest it is not an improvement over Bridge street carpark is pure idiocy.
Posted by: Ivor on 3:03pm Thu 17 Apr 08
[quote][italic]HamsterWheel, Prestwood on 2:58pm:[/italic]
If Ivor doesn't like Eden, and doesn't visit, that is a major plus for the centre.[/quote]By looking at the reduction in crowd level lots of people are deciding not to visit. I don’t blame them as there are far better proper shopping centres in other town close by to visit instead.
[bold]Have you read Ivor’s blog today?[/bold] Click on the “Opinion” link on the menu on the left then click on “Readers Bucks Blog”.
HamsterWheel, Prestwood on 2:58pm:
If Ivor doesn't like Eden, and doesn't visit, that is a major plus for the centre.
By looking at the reduction in crowd level lots of people are deciding not to visit. I don’t blame them as there are far better proper shopping centres in other town close by to visit instead.
Have you read Ivor’s blog today? Click on the “Opinion” link on the menu on the left then click on “Readers Bucks Blog”.
Posted by: Joe English, High Wycombe on 3:11pm Thu 17 Apr 08
For once I agree with Ivor there are far better shopping centres in Reading, Watford & MK but then they are far better towns/cities! Oh for the return of Murrays eh Ivor
For once I agree with Ivor there are far better shopping centres in Reading, Watford & MK but then they are far better towns/cities! Oh for the return of Murrays eh Ivor
Posted by: ukus, HW on 3:13pm Thu 17 Apr 08
[quote]The wind whistling through the street with a roof on it makes for a very unpleasant shopping experience. Perhaps they should learn from their mistakes and get the problem sorted rather than making excuses?[/quote]
I am so thankful to live in a country where there is freedom of speech. I'm glad you are free to voice your opinions Ivor. But do you know what? You are also free to just keep quiet, rather than let the incessant moaning go on and on.... and on and on.
We really are tired of it Ivor. Please give it a rest?!
The wind whistling through the street with a roof on it makes for a very unpleasant shopping experience. Perhaps they should learn from their mistakes and get the problem sorted rather than making excuses?
I am so thankful to live in a country where there is freedom of speech. I'm glad you are free to voice your opinions Ivor. But do you know what? You are also free to just keep quiet, rather than let the incessant moaning go on and on.... and on and on.
We really are tired of it Ivor. Please give it a rest?!
Posted by: DaveyBoy2008, High Wycombe on 3:16pm Thu 17 Apr 08
I think the centre works quite well. Sure there maybe some faults with it, but lets face it, its better than the s***hole we lived in 2 years ago. Give the centre time and i'm sure it will do well and people will start to enjoy it.
I think the centre works quite well. Sure there maybe some faults with it, but lets face it, its better than the s***hole we lived in 2 years ago. Give the centre time and i'm sure it will do well and people will start to enjoy it.
Posted by: Mario, Bucks on 3:44pm Thu 17 Apr 08
Unfortunately Daniel will say anything he is told to by Multiplex high command in order that he may keep drawing his salary every month, that's business!
The [bold]fact[/bold] is that most of the flagship stores have only a handful of customers rattling about inside most of the time and many tenants cannot be happy with how the deal has panned out.
Still, Daniel may have plenty of free time on his hands soon to enjoy the shopping experience himself. ;-)
Unfortunately Daniel will say anything he is told to by Multiplex high command in order that he may keep drawing his salary every month, that's business!
The
fact is that most of the flagship stores have only a handful of customers rattling about inside most of the time and many tenants cannot be happy with how the deal has panned out.
Still, Daniel may have plenty of free time on his hands soon to enjoy the shopping experience himself. ;-)
Posted by: TQWood, Hazlemere on 3:46pm Thu 17 Apr 08
Unfortunatley most people i have heard comments from are how everyone is feeling completely underwhelmed by the place, i understand its environmentally friendly to have an open ended centre but the rain comes in and the wind is blowing through there and its not a pleasant experience. The shops are also just names that have moved from the chilterns and octagon mainly. Eden is better for High Wycombe but it wont attract many people away from Watford and Slough.
Unfortunatley most people i have heard comments from are how everyone is feeling completely underwhelmed by the place, i understand its environmentally friendly to have an open ended centre but the rain comes in and the wind is blowing through there and its not a pleasant experience. The shops are also just names that have moved from the chilterns and octagon mainly. Eden is better for High Wycombe but it wont attract many people away from Watford and Slough.
Posted by: smokey, high wycombe on 3:56pm Thu 17 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Ivor[/bold] wrote:
[quote]THE man in charge of High Wycombe's new shopping centre has hit back at negative comments from Bucks Free Press readers.[/quote]It’s not just the BFP readers that are being negative – it’s a significant proportion of the town! Mark my words the complex will turn out to be the biggest white elephant ever built no matter how much desperate PR is used to try to prop it up. [bold]Have you read Ivor’s blog today?[/bold] Click on the “Opinion” link on the menu on the left then click on “Readers Bucks Blog”.[/quote] presumerably you have carried out research to back this assertion up.
And as I say don't you DARE say you love Wycombe when you so evidently want it to fail.
Ivor wrote:
THE man in charge of High Wycombe's new shopping centre has hit back at negative comments from Bucks Free Press readers.
It’s not just the BFP readers that are being negative – it’s a significant proportion of the town! Mark my words the complex will turn out to be the biggest white elephant ever built no matter how much desperate PR is used to try to prop it up. Have you read Ivor’s blog today? Click on the “Opinion” link on the menu on the left then click on “Readers Bucks Blog”.
presumerably you have carried out research to back this assertion up.
And as I say don't you DARE say you love Wycombe when you so evidently want it to fail.
Posted by: Elmo, High Wycombe on 4:15pm Thu 17 Apr 08
Love, Wycombe?
Posted by: odbyt, High Wycombe on 4:44pm Thu 17 Apr 08
If we have to have a cloned High Street/Shopping Centre then is it not a good thing that the design is unique to all the others?
Eden has certainly grown on me since it first opened. Like many others I was initially disappointed with the size and design.
I must admit how nice it is to be able to walk to town and have all the shops that you previously had to drive many miles to visit.
If we have to have a cloned High Street/Shopping Centre then is it not a good thing that the design is unique to all the others?
Eden has certainly grown on me since it first opened. Like many others I was initially disappointed with the size and design.
I must admit how nice it is to be able to walk to town and have all the shops that you previously had to drive many miles to visit.
Posted by: smokey, high wycombe on 4:45pm Thu 17 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Elmo[/bold] wrote:
Love, Wycombe?[/quote] so he says
did you not know?
Elmo wrote:
Love, Wycombe?
so he says
did you not know?
Posted by: Elmo, High Wycombe on 5:06pm Thu 17 Apr 08
Does that make him an Oxy-moron-ist?
Does that make him an Oxy-moron-ist?
Posted by: smokey, high wycombe on 6:09pm Thu 17 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Elmo[/bold] wrote:
Does that make him an Oxy-moron-ist?[/quote] without a doubt
just without the oxy..
oh and without the ist
xx
Elmo wrote:
Does that make him an Oxy-moron-ist?
without a doubt
just without the oxy..
oh and without the ist
xx
Posted by: Ron Schreck on 6:42pm Thu 17 Apr 08
[quote][bold]littlemiss[/bold] wrote:
I'm afraid that I've found quite the opposite when speaking to people. I have spoken to friends, family, work colleagues, people met randomly in the pub etc about Eden, and most people have said that they were intrigued at first, but on the whole not really that impressed, and have walked away feeling a bit disappointed. Yes having bowling is great, that's something new and much needed, and having a cinema in town in walking distance is novel. Shops wise though, we haven't gained that much in the way of new shops, and it's a real shame Eden doesn't have two levels of shops like other centres (you could still have the open air feel and effect). Eden feels completely disjointed to the rest of the town (whether that will change over time I don't know), I think a lot more could have been done to emcompass the new shopping centre and make it feel part of the town centre, rather than a strange add on. I've been down there in the rain and seen the new 'roof' leaks in places - teething problems perhaps, and for something that has been called 'Eden', you'd think there would be SOME kind of plant life in there! I really do not agree that the design will attract people to walk round other parts of the town, the open ended part of Eden by M&S etc is not in the hub of the town is it? What's around there that will entice people to walk out from Eden and then draw them to the High Street, or the Chilterns? They need to get the shop units filled with decent NEW shops and advertise these in Eden to draw people's attention, not open shops with stuff we already have, or more £1 shops. They should be more forthcoming with information about what is going to fill the spaces vacant, and when new shops will open. I see Yo! Sushi has been mentioned as a place to eat from day 1 of when the centre opened, and yet each time I have been down Eden the place is not open and there has been no news on when it will open, or if it has already! I mention this because I was personally excited about Yo! Sushi coming to Wycombe, as were a few of my friends but we have struggled to get any news on it at all. Also Eden stays open a lot later than the rest of town, I feel it would make sense for other shops located in places like the Octagon to reflect these opening hours too, to help it feel less disjointed. Some seem to stay open, but some do shut. Apart from that, I don't understand the point of the 'soft' opening and why it was advertised that Eden was opening, yet only SOME of the shops opened? Was this just to hit deadlines? I do think that the themed days are good and they should perhaps focus these for the weekends. The balloon man in particular has been a favourite with children and adults alike. In all I think that Eden could be a benefit to Wycombe, but I think that focus does need to be placed elsewhere on the town now. If you want to get people to Wycombe over places like Reading, then a lot more needs to be done. As it is currently, I would still travel to Reading or elsewhere to do shopping, because the variety we have in Wycombe is still limited. Getting better, but limited.[/quote] sounds like the "Frogmore Fountain" Took a long time and a lot of money to put the fountain in and it has never worked right from the beginning. Quote "I've been down there in the rain and seen the new 'roof' leaks in places" -like some people never learn from their mistakes. Or maybe this was intentional and the roof is not really leaking but a new fountain.
littlemiss wrote:
I'm afraid that I've found quite the opposite when speaking to people. I have spoken to friends, family, work colleagues, people met randomly in the pub etc about Eden, and most people have said that they were intrigued at first, but on the whole not really that impressed, and have walked away feeling a bit disappointed. Yes having bowling is great, that's something new and much needed, and having a cinema in town in walking distance is novel. Shops wise though, we haven't gained that much in the way of new shops, and it's a real shame Eden doesn't have two levels of shops like other centres (you could still have the open air feel and effect). Eden feels completely disjointed to the rest of the town (whether that will change over time I don't know), I think a lot more could have been done to emcompass the new shopping centre and make it feel part of the town centre, rather than a strange add on. I've been down there in the rain and seen the new 'roof' leaks in places - teething problems perhaps, and for something that has been called 'Eden', you'd think there would be SOME kind of plant life in there! I really do not agree that the design will attract people to walk round other parts of the town, the open ended part of Eden by M&S etc is not in the hub of the town is it? What's around there that will entice people to walk out from Eden and then draw them to the High Street, or the Chilterns? They need to get the shop units filled with decent NEW shops and advertise these in Eden to draw people's attention, not open shops with stuff we already have, or more £1 shops. They should be more forthcoming with information about what is going to fill the spaces vacant, and when new shops will open. I see Yo! Sushi has been mentioned as a place to eat from day 1 of when the centre opened, and yet each time I have been down Eden the place is not open and there has been no news on when it will open, or if it has already! I mention this because I was personally excited about Yo! Sushi coming to Wycombe, as were a few of my friends but we have struggled to get any news on it at all. Also Eden stays open a lot later than the rest of town, I feel it would make sense for other shops located in places like the Octagon to reflect these opening hours too, to help it feel less disjointed. Some seem to stay open, but some do shut. Apart from that, I don't understand the point of the 'soft' opening and why it was advertised that Eden was opening, yet only SOME of the shops opened? Was this just to hit deadlines? I do think that the themed days are good and they should perhaps focus these for the weekends. The balloon man in particular has been a favourite with children and adults alike. In all I think that Eden could be a benefit to Wycombe, but I think that focus does need to be placed elsewhere on the town now. If you want to get people to Wycombe over places like Reading, then a lot more needs to be done. As it is currently, I would still travel to Reading or elsewhere to do shopping, because the variety we have in Wycombe is still limited. Getting better, but limited.
sounds like the "Frogmore Fountain" Took a long time and a lot of money to put the fountain in and it has never worked right from the beginning. Quote "I've been down there in the rain and seen the new 'roof' leaks in places" -like some people never learn from their mistakes. Or maybe this was intentional and the roof is not really leaking but a new fountain.
Posted by: Carlton De Souza, Bowerdean area on 9:56pm Thu 17 Apr 08
four weeks is a long time to digest negetive thoughts, my point is if this chap had the balls he would of said something a lot quicker, look eden is ok it's not made for super rich customers as some comments suggest, it's ok, the parking is not that bad as some people suggest it's ok the design and lay out of eden is not great it's ok, you see the pattern here is that it's a avarage shopping centre, for the avarage people of this great town. I love high wycombe but wycombe needs to love it's self. And if this town suffers from the likes of Tomkinson and co it as no chance. What is the point of eden when the town is littered with kebab wrapers , drunks , drugies, and the likes off.
four weeks is a long time to digest negetive thoughts, my point is if this chap had the balls he would of said something a lot quicker, look eden is ok it's not made for super rich customers as some comments suggest, it's ok, the parking is not that bad as some people suggest it's ok the design and lay out of eden is not great it's ok, you see the pattern here is that it's a avarage shopping centre, for the avarage people of this great town. I love high wycombe but wycombe needs to love it's self. And if this town suffers from the likes of Tomkinson and co it as no chance. What is the point of eden when the town is littered with kebab wrapers , drunks , drugies, and the likes off.
Posted by: daisyduck, HW on 10:06pm Thu 17 Apr 08
Until Eden opened, I never shopped in in Wycombe at all unless I was desperate and very short of time. A sad fact when I live a 10 minute walk from the town centre. I chose instead to go to Reading, Guildford, Brent Cross and Oxford Street. I was fed up of not being able to find birthday presents and other gifts in my own town.
Since it opened I have shopped there regularly and always found what I wanted. I'm not saying that for a "big shop" I won't still go elsewhere because I will. We can never be Reading. We are not a city and we don't have the space, we can't build by our river etc etc.
But the fact is, I am spending in my own town now when I have not spent anything there previously despite living here for nearly 10 years.
The late openings are a definite advantage, I work til 5.30 like most people and am pleased that I don't have to save everything for Saturdays.
Pleased to hear that some of the empty units are nearly ready to open.
Until Eden opened, I never shopped in in Wycombe at all unless I was desperate and very short of time. A sad fact when I live a 10 minute walk from the town centre. I chose instead to go to Reading, Guildford, Brent Cross and Oxford Street. I was fed up of not being able to find birthday presents and other gifts in my own town.
Since it opened I have shopped there regularly and always found what I wanted. I'm not saying that for a "big shop" I won't still go elsewhere because I will. We can never be Reading. We are not a city and we don't have the space, we can't build by our river etc etc.
But the fact is, I am spending in my own town now when I have not spent anything there previously despite living here for nearly 10 years.
The late openings are a definite advantage, I work til 5.30 like most people and am pleased that I don't have to save everything for Saturdays.
Pleased to hear that some of the empty units are nearly ready to open.
Posted by: Ivor on 10:12pm Thu 17 Apr 08
[quote][italic]Carlton De Souza, Bowerdean area on 9:56pm:[/italic]
lay out of eden is not great it's ok, you see the pattern here is that it's a avarage shopping centre, for the avarage people of this great town[/quote]Wycombe is a great town so it should have a great shopping centre to match. The fact you describe it as just “ok” and “average” shows there are problems with the complex.
[bold]I’m discussing this very subject on my blog today.[/bold] Click on the “Opinion” link on the menu on the left then click on “Readers Bucks Blog”.
Carlton De Souza, Bowerdean area on 9:56pm:
lay out of eden is not great it's ok, you see the pattern here is that it's a avarage shopping centre, for the avarage people of this great town
Wycombe is a great town so it should have a great shopping centre to match. The fact you describe it as just “ok” and “average” shows there are problems with the complex.
I’m discussing this very subject on my blog today. Click on the “Opinion” link on the menu on the left then click on “Readers Bucks Blog”.
Posted by: Merge in Turn on 10:26pm Thu 17 Apr 08
Just wait until the new Sainsbury's opens, we'll have a whole new raft of things to complain about - trolleys littering the A40, bright orange lighting dazzling drivers, getting dizzy coming down the new ramp in the car park! Can't wait.
Just wait until the new Sainsbury's opens, we'll have a whole new raft of things to complain about - trolleys littering the A40, bright orange lighting dazzling drivers, getting dizzy coming down the new ramp in the car park! Can't wait.
Posted by: Carlton De Souza, Bowerdean area on 10:28pm Thu 17 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Ivor[/bold] wrote:
[quote][italic]Carlton De Souza, Bowerdean area on 9:56pm:[/italic] lay out of eden is not great it's ok, you see the pattern here is that it's a avarage shopping centre, for the avarage people of this great town[/quote]Wycombe is a great town so it should have a great shopping centre to match. The fact you describe it as just “ok” and “average” shows there are problems with the complex. [bold]I’m discussing this very subject on my blog today.[/bold] Click on the “Opinion” link on the menu on the left then click on “Readers Bucks Blog”.[/quote] i look forward to reading your blog on this subject Mr Ivor.
Ivor wrote:
Carlton De Souza, Bowerdean area on 9:56pm: lay out of eden is not great it's ok, you see the pattern here is that it's a avarage shopping centre, for the avarage people of this great town
Wycombe is a great town so it should have a great shopping centre to match. The fact you describe it as just “ok” and “average” shows there are problems with the complex. I’m discussing this very subject on my blog today. Click on the “Opinion” link on the menu on the left then click on “Readers Bucks Blog”.
i look forward to reading your blog on this subject Mr Ivor.
Posted by: Ivor on 10:35pm Thu 17 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Merge in Turn[/bold] wrote:
Just wait until the new Sainsbury's opens, we'll have a whole new raft of things to complain about - trolleys littering the A40, bright orange lighting dazzling drivers, getting dizzy coming down the new ramp in the car park! Can't wait.[/quote] I think the new supermarket could be a credit to the town and put the complex in the shade.
Let's not be negative before the store has opened.
[bold]I’m discussing the subject of the complex on my blog today.[/bold] Click on the “Opinion” link on the menu on the left then click on “Readers Bucks Blog”.
Merge in Turn wrote:
Just wait until the new Sainsbury's opens, we'll have a whole new raft of things to complain about - trolleys littering the A40, bright orange lighting dazzling drivers, getting dizzy coming down the new ramp in the car park! Can't wait.
I think the new supermarket could be a credit to the town and put the complex in the shade.
Let's not be negative before the store has opened.
I’m discussing the subject of the complex on my blog today. Click on the “Opinion” link on the menu on the left then click on “Readers Bucks Blog”.
Posted by: Merge in Turn on 11:50pm Thu 17 Apr 08
[quote]Let's not be negative[/quote] Oh that is rich coming from you Ivor. I've never heard anyone who moans like you do.
[bold]Have you seen Merge’s bog today?[/bold] It's full of undigested dinner and limescale.
Let's not be negative
Oh that is rich coming from you Ivor. I've never heard anyone who moans like you do.
Have you seen Merge’s bog today? It's full of undigested dinner and limescale.
Posted by: Ivor on 12:53am Fri 18 Apr 08
[quote][italic]Merge in Turn on 11:50pm:[/italic]
I've never heard anyone who moans like you do.[/quote]But I am not moaning about the new supermarket am I? In fact I am being very positive and upbeat about it. Don’t write it off until you have seen what it has to offer after all you may be surprised and astounded with what you see.
[bold]Have you read Ivor’s blog today?[/bold] Click on the “Opinion” link on the menu on the left then click on “Readers Bucks Blog”.
Merge in Turn on 11:50pm:
I've never heard anyone who moans like you do.
But I am not moaning about the new supermarket am I? In fact I am being very positive and upbeat about it. Don’t write it off until you have seen what it has to offer after all you may be surprised and astounded with what you see.
Have you read Ivor’s blog today? Click on the “Opinion” link on the menu on the left then click on “Readers Bucks Blog”.
Posted by: Elmo, High Wycombe on 8:40am Fri 18 Apr 08
If Wycombe had decent public transport links, i.e. buses that ran after I finished an evening shift in Quazar, I'd never have had to move to the shyte'ole in the first place.
Unfortunatly it's like Hotel California, you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.
If Wycombe had decent public transport links, i.e. buses that ran after I finished an evening shift in Quazar, I'd never have had to move to the shyte'ole in the first place.
Unfortunatly it's like Hotel California, you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.
Posted by: HW resident, Hazlemere on 9:05am Fri 18 Apr 08
Saying the reason for no roof is to keep it part of the town is absolute rubbish!!! It's not exactly directly off the high street its a hell of a trek from the market etc. Also the thing I cannot get over is the cost - £300m is the published figure, goodness knows what the actual cost was, and it HAS NO ROOF!!!!!!!
Saying the reason for no roof is to keep it part of the town is absolute rubbish!!! It's not exactly directly off the high street its a hell of a trek from the market etc. Also the thing I cannot get over is the cost - £300m is the published figure, goodness knows what the actual cost was, and it HAS NO ROOF!!!!!!!
Posted by: ronnie on 10:55am Fri 18 Apr 08
my take on it is that its better than what we had before but not as good as everyone thought it was going to be. And it would be good to have some idea of when it will be fully open ie all the units sold etc. What are the plans for the 'next phase'?
my take on it is that its better than what we had before but not as good as everyone thought it was going to be. And it would be good to have some idea of when it will be fully open ie all the units sold etc. What are the plans for the 'next phase'?
Posted by: smokey, high wycombe on 11:11am Fri 18 Apr 08
[quote][bold]ronnie[/bold] wrote:
my take on it is that its better than what we had before but not as good as everyone thought it was going to be. And it would be good to have some idea of when it will be fully open ie all the units sold etc. What are the plans for the 'next phase'?[/quote] good answer - I have faith that more shops will follow. I think they perhaps opened the complex a little too early. Don't forget that this was th same company that built the new wembley stadium and that overran on opening time by over a year. I think that they were so worried about doing it again that they rushed things a bit.
But as I have said before - Wycombe is a prospering town in the Home Counties. We will get other shops in and as for the yob culture - once they realise that there is absolutely nothing for them, they will find somewhere else to pester.
ronnie wrote:
my take on it is that its better than what we had before but not as good as everyone thought it was going to be. And it would be good to have some idea of when it will be fully open ie all the units sold etc. What are the plans for the 'next phase'?
good answer - I have faith that more shops will follow. I think they perhaps opened the complex a little too early. Don't forget that this was th same company that built the new wembley stadium and that overran on opening time by over a year. I think that they were so worried about doing it again that they rushed things a bit.
But as I have said before - Wycombe is a prospering town in the Home Counties. We will get other shops in and as for the yob culture - once they realise that there is absolutely nothing for them, they will find somewhere else to pester.
Posted by: Plus ça change..., WycombEden on 11:57am Fri 18 Apr 08
Eden should ask [italic][bold]us[/bold][/italic] for ideas & suggestions as to what other stores/shops we should like to see fill the gaps.
We all seem to have strong enough opinions about Eden.
Let something positive come from that.
Eden should ask
us for ideas & suggestions as to what other stores/shops we should like to see fill the gaps.
We all seem to have strong enough opinions about Eden.
Let something positive come from that.
Posted by: segedunum, High Wycombe on 12:51pm Fri 18 Apr 08
Pleased to hear from the Council Leader that the High Street isn't going to be forgotten about. If it takes as long as the Frogmoor improvements that were talked about a year ago, fountain etc, then it will be in a right old mess by the time they do something
Pleased to hear from the Council Leader that the High Street isn't going to be forgotten about. If it takes as long as the Frogmoor improvements that were talked about a year ago, fountain etc, then it will be in a right old mess by the time they do something
Posted by: Ivor on 7:26pm Fri 18 Apr 08
I've just looked at the website for the complex and the text starts with the words:[quote]"Eden Now Open! High Wycombe is home to one of the hottest new shopping and leisure destinations in the country."[/quote]However in this news article the complex chiefs were reported as saying that:[quote]"If we had a shopping centre that was completely closed it would become a destination".[/quote]A contradiction me thinks!
[bold]Don’t forget to read Ivor’s blog.[/bold] Click on the “Opinion” link on the menu on the left then click on “Readers Bucks Blog”.
I've just looked at the website for the complex and the text starts with the words:
"Eden Now Open! High Wycombe is home to one of the hottest new shopping and leisure destinations in the country."
However in this news article the complex chiefs were reported as saying that:
"If we had a shopping centre that was completely closed it would become a destination".
A contradiction me thinks!
Don’t forget to read Ivor’s blog. Click on the “Opinion” link on the menu on the left then click on “Readers Bucks Blog”.
Posted by: Town Cryer, Wycombe on 3:06pm Sat 19 Apr 08
[quote][bold]segedunum[/bold] wrote:
Pleased to hear from the Council Leader that the High Street isn't going to be forgotten about. If it takes as long as the Frogmoor improvements that were talked about a year ago, fountain etc, then it will be in a right old mess by the time they do something[/quote] Afraid as usual WDC makes promises and when they have to put hand in pocket to spend the money say they cant because of need to save costs
We need to get a Town Council who will do whats right for wycombe town
segedunum wrote:
Pleased to hear from the Council Leader that the High Street isn't going to be forgotten about. If it takes as long as the Frogmoor improvements that were talked about a year ago, fountain etc, then it will be in a right old mess by the time they do something
Afraid as usual WDC makes promises and when they have to put hand in pocket to spend the money say they cant because of need to save costs
We need to get a Town Council who will do whats right for wycombe town
Posted by: averagenobody, Buckinghamshire on 12:17am Sun 20 Apr 08
Ivor, do you practice being a pompous self-righteous bore, or does it just come naturally?
Ivor, do you practice being a pompous self-righteous bore, or does it just come naturally?
Posted by: Elmo, High Wycombe on 11:36am Sun 20 Apr 08
Have you not seen the number of posts and blogs.
Practise makes perfect.
Have you not seen the number of posts and blogs.
Practise makes perfect.
Posted by: Pierre, HW on 10:47pm Sun 20 Apr 08
Ivor asks people not to be negative.
That's because it's his job!!!
Ivor asks people not to be negative.
That's because it's his job!!!
Posted by: Pierre, HW on 10:50pm Sun 20 Apr 08
I went to Eden for the first time this Saturday. Perhaps it is because it feels like a street but it isn't. Perhaps it is because it is a shopping centre but doesn't feel like one because it is not fully enclosed. I don't know what it is exactly but I don't think I will be going back in a hurry.
Sorry!
I went to Eden for the first time this Saturday. Perhaps it is because it feels like a street but it isn't. Perhaps it is because it is a shopping centre but doesn't feel like one because it is not fully enclosed. I don't know what it is exactly but I don't think I will be going back in a hurry.
Sorry!
Posted by: do wah diddy, outer mongolia on 9:08am Wed 23 Apr 08
Yes it is nice to have a Cinema and Bowling alley in the town centre but it is not nice having to walk through a load of hoods and Riff Raff who congregate outside and are there obviously looking for trouble!
Yes it is nice to have a Cinema and Bowling alley in the town centre but it is not nice having to walk through a load of hoods and Riff Raff who congregate outside and are there obviously looking for trouble!
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