A CLOTHING company that was due to let Reading Borough Council use its offices for a cycle hub has apologised for changing its mind.
Primark was to open the ground floor of its West Street headquarters to cyclists wanting a safe space to park their bikes. An agreement to let the local authority lease the unit was put together and signage erected on the building’s exterior.
Last week, the council said Primark had pulled out of the deal and it was now looking for a fresh venue for the hub.
Primark, which moved its clothes store to the former Bhs site on Broad Street, has now issued a statement explaining its side of the bargain.
However, the project can now not go ahead in that unit as Primark has withdrawn its offer to lease the section of its headquarters to the council.
A spokesperson for the firm said: “We’re really sorry that due to a change in circumstances, we’re no longer able to offer our facilities as a location for the cycle hub.
“Home to both our UK head office and a popular Primark store, Reading is really important to us, and we’re committed to continuing to play an active role within the community and to supporting the town.
“We hope the cycle hub finds a suitable home soon.”
The council has begun discussions with Reading’s Economy and Destination Agency (REDA) the new name of Reading UK CIC, to find a new venue.
It is also continuing to work with project partners Ethical Reading, The Reading Bicycle Kitchen, and Avanti to complete it, and will update the Department of Transport which provided funding for the project on the latest developments.
Cllr John Ennis (Labour, Southcote), lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, said: “There will be understandable frustration Primark has pulled out of the project at this late stage, and we entirely share that frustration.
“The Council now intends to move on swiftly and work to identify an alternative town centre location where a cycle facility can be progressed and a site which works for the council, the property owner and, most importantly, for cyclists.
“We will be talking to building owners who have previously expressed an interest in getting involved, however, if you know of somewhere which might be willing to work on this project, please get in touch.”
The unit the council was hoping to occupy is within a building owned by Primark that is used as its headquarters. It used to be a Co-op department store specialising in furniture and electricals.
