THE Royals Shopping Centre has been put on the market.

The shopping centre has been made available to let.

It is hoped it will remain a shopping complex but concerns have been raised about its future after it appeared as available from Cromwell Property Group.

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The listing states: “The Royals is located at the southern end of the pedestrianised High Street in a prominent corner position, in close proximity to M&S, H&M and the main bus station.

“The asset is a modern enclosed shopping centre of c.280,000 sq ft comprising 27 units including 4 anchor units plus a 450 space car park. Key tenants include Debenhams, Primark, TK Maxx, Boots and H&M.

“Cromwells asset management team have reduced void to less than one per cent and resecured key tenants at lease events resulting in footfall improving to 6,200,000 people.”

It is not clear why the lease has been made available, how much it would cost or how long it would be available for but concerns have been raised about the uncertain future for the centre.

Councillor Ron Woodley, deputy leader of Southend Council, said: “If the leasor was to close The Royals and impact the retails shops then we should be concerned.

“To have the town centre go forward, we need to increase the footfall and see it full of shoppers, which is what we plan to do.

“Part of that will come out of next year’s budget.

“We want it to be a brighter and safer for people to shop in the area, and develop the Royals and Queensway as the cornerstones of the future.

“The Royals should be here – the new owners should hopefully realise what it means to the town.”

Shopper David Tomlinson said: “I was surprised to see it has been put up to let. Hopefully they won’t turn it into housing as that is what I have been hearing. It would be very sad to see it go. The High Street wouldn’t be the same without it.” The Royals management, Cromwell Property Group and Southend BID were approached for comment.