For those of us who live or work around Brewery Wharf, the closure of Simpsons last week was a big loss.
It wasn't perfect but it was the kind of shop most of us want on our doorstep. Nice sandwiches, fresh bread, newspapers, cakes, DVDs, beer and wine. And it also sold pot noodles.
It came as a shock when it closed. I think it was only announced on Tuesday – and it closed on Thursday. Rumours are that they were selling the shop and the deal fell through at the last minute (obviously if you do know what happened, or you're from Simpsons, please let us know below).
So I'm now left with a bit further to walk for my sandwich or my pint of milk. But losing a shop is about more than that.
So what happens next?
Our part of town (I work here, don't live here) feels that little bit less attractive today. I want to work somewhere which keeps a good shop in business.
So what happens next? Again, there may be plans that I don't know about - it might suddenly open up again next week for all I know. But could I – we – you – have a role in opening, and owning, a shop in the city centre?
If you listen to the Archers on Radio 4, you'll know that community owned shops are all the rage.
They tend to be more common in rural areas, as villagers group together to save the village shop. But there are examples in cities too – including the Natural Food Store in Headingley, which is owned by local residents. There's also Green Valley Grocers in Slaithwaite, which also houses a community owned bakery.
So why not have something similar in Dock Street? We have plenty of small businesses here, and lots of local residents. We have letting agents who love to tell us about our local amenities.
Buy shares in a community shop?
Could we club together and buy shares in a community owned shop? And could we share our expertise – I bet there's a web developer, retail expert, accountant, solicitor and business adviser within 100 yards of where I'm sitting right now.
A few of us are planning to hold a meeting in early September, to test out whether there might be enough people interested.
But this isn't something that will just happen – it'll happen if there's a real business opportunity, and if we – whoever we are - do something about it.
If you're interested in finding out more please email rob@thesocialbusiness.co.uk
I look forward to hearing from you.
Rob Greenland blogs about social business at www.thesocialbusiness.co.uk
What do you think? Have your say in the comments section below.
