OASIS has confirmed it is seeking a site within Colchester town centre.

A spokeswoman confirmed one of its bosses has been talking about the issue with a Colchester council planning chief.

But it all depends on the clothing chain finding the right site at the right price.

Oasis moved out of its former outlet in January this year following Byron, an upmarket burger chain, taking over the lease.

The move led Martin Goss, chairman of Colchester Council’s Local Plan committee, to accuse Byron of “paying through the nose” for the location.

Together with food outlets earning higher margins than retailers, the Mile End councillor claims it means the town centre is being taken over by restaurants and burger chains.

The Liberal Democrat said he recently spoke to a senior retail director at Oasis who he said told him the clothing retailer was “extremely interested” in retaining a store in Colchester but rents were the issue and “Oasis would only go so far.”

Mr Goss said Oasis looked at the former Gap store in Culver Street, near Debenhams, which is still empty, but the landlord was looking at converted that to two shops.

“Oasis can’t agree a reasonable rent. They are still looking through a property company still searching Colchester. They realise they have a loyal client base here. But we have some unscrupulous landlords who seem to be chancing their arms.”

“Oasis are not going to pay astronomic rents. They are a commercial business. Retailers have to be extremely cost-conscious.

But Mr Goss warned it was a “competitive market” and since the council was not a landlord, it can’t intervene and set rents.

An Oasis spokeswoman confirmed the talks between its retail director and Mr Goss.

“We are keeping abreast of market potential in Colchester. We still trade in Debenhams. It’s been given elevated product and a larger stock pack since the closure.

“It’s something we are keeping an eye on. We are looking for sites and it’s a matter of finding one.”

Ewan Dodds CEO of Colchester property company Whybrow said town centres across Britain have been changing and Colchester is not alone.

Colchester largely escaped the downturn of 2008-9 but the borough and other councils eased planning restrictions to help keep struggling town centres vibrant.

This has seen offices being converted into flats, such as in the former Co-op, which is bringing people into the town centre, making them busier until well into the evening. A current project he was working on will see three restaurants in one building.

He said: “That’s a good thing. It will widen the appeal of the town centre. Every town centre is threatened by out of town development. Having a vibrant town centre with a wider appeal is a good thing. Retail will find its balance.”

Mr Dodds added rents are rising but town centre premises still attract much interest from potential renters.

Byron burgers were unavailable for comment.