The pharmaceutical giant Boots is reportedly planning to close its Anglia Square store, prompting customers to find new locations for their prescriptions. This move is part of a larger plan to close 300 stores in the next year, with a consolidation program focused on stores located within close proximity to one another. The closure of the UEA store is an example of this consolidation strategy. Although customers have received confirmation of the closure from store staff, Boots has declined to comment on the rumors when approached by the press. However, the start of the rebuild of Anglia Square is underway, and it is anticipated that the redevelopment will begin at the end of the year. This will likely involve the closure or relocation of several shops and charitable organizations within the precinct.
The closure of the Anglia Square store would leave locals with four pharmacies within half a mile, including a branch of Boots in the city center. The redevelopment will take place over eight years and will include the construction of 1,100 homes across 12 blocks, as well as 8,000 square meters of commercial space and a community hub. The initial phase is set to involve the demolition of the disused multi-storey car park, which has been vacant since 2012. Weston Homes, the developer behind the plan, has not confirmed when work will occur in the shopping area of the site. However, tenants have been told to expect “business as usual” well into next year, despite some shops already closing or moving to new premises.
The Anglia Square redevelopment has sparked concerns among local businesses and charitable organizations, with some struggling to find new homes. As the redevelopment proceeds, it is likely that several retail and non-profit entities within the precinct will have to relocate. The proposed changes have led to uncertainty and speculation among locals and tenants, particularly with respect to the Boots store closure. However, the specific details of the redevelopment plan, including the timeline for the closure and any potential relocations, remain unconfirmed. Despite the uncertainty, the redevelopment plans promise to bring a significant transformation to the Anglia Square site, including new residential and commercial spaces, as well as a community hub and parking facilities.
