A COUNTY charity has confirmed that it is in advanced talks to take over the former Iceland supermarket in Hereford city centre. 

The Eign Gate premises has been closed since last September the company opened its Food Warehouse outlet on the Salmon Retail Park in the city's Holmer Road.

However, a new tenant could be moving in with St Michael's Hospice stating that it is in advanced talks to take on the lease.

This, the Bartestree-based charity says, is due to its Holmer Road store being set to close. It has also confirmed that it is looking at purchasing the IJL Brown furniture store on Whitestone Business Park, near the hospice's headquarters, which would be used as its main warehouse and distribution site.

A planning application has been submitted to Herefordshire Council. 

A spokesperson for St Michael's Hospice said: "Each year, St Michael’s Hospice must raise several million pounds to continue providing palliative and end-of-life care free-of-charge to people across Herefordshire and beyond. 

"Most of the charity’s care costs are funded by the community. These funds come from a variety of sources, including supporters taking part in St Michael’s events such as the Venus night walk; playing the St Michael’s Hospice Lottery; holding their own fundraiser; and leaving gifts in wills.  

"The contribution from St Michael’s retail sites, however, represents a significant part of this fundraising. With ever-increasing demands on the care and support we provide, St Michael’s faces a significant challenge to raise the money needed to support these vital services.  

"With this in mind, St Michael’s believes there is scope to increase our retail operation and is constantly looking for suitable new sites to add to its portfolio.

"New stores opened recently include Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth. With the news the Holmer Road site in Hereford must close due to the lease not being renewed, the search for new premises in Hereford has escalated."

 

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