A TEASING Colchester business boss has said national brands have expressed an interest in moving into the city centre – in what could be a huge boost for the High Street.

Sam Good, who is the Colchester BID manager, has teased the possibility of well-known firms looking to potentially open stores in the area.

Following the closure of High Street staples such as Marks and Spencer and Next in recent years, the city centre has fallen out of favour with some shoppers.

But Sam remains optimistic about the future of Colchester's city centre.

He said: “We know of a selection of nationals that are exploring the city centre as a destination for their business.

"The BID is approached on a daily basis from potential businesses looking to move into the city centre which is positive with many neighbouring towns and cities having a far higher vacancy rate than Colchester."

Sam's claims come after the Gazette recently asked readers on social media about the shops and brands they would like to see come to the city.

Gazette: Missed - Marks and SpencerMissed - Marks and Spencer (Image: N/A)

A group of commenters – Luca Marius, Michelle Raven, Corinna Gladwell, Louise-Pink Able and Fiona Stokes – all had the same idea by choosing Morrisons.

At present, Colchester only has a Morrisons Daily rather than a superstore, so it remains to be seen whether Morrisons will follow in the footsteps of fellow retailers Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Lidl and Sainsbury’s.

Jess Collinson, meanwhile, named IKEA as something she wished Colchester had while Graeme Cassidy said he wished Colchester had an amusement park.

Lee Parfitt, meanwhile, said he hoped the city could become home to a Shakeaway or a Build-A-Bear.

Gazette: Colchester - BID manager Sam Good says national brands have expressed interest in moving into the city centreColchester - BID manager Sam Good says national brands have expressed interest in moving into the city centre (Image: N/A)

"I am confident more retailers will be coming to the city centre soon with many making contact with us and landlords over the last year however these talks can often be drawn out and long winded," added Sam.

"The importance of driving new businesses into the city centre, and especially retail, is to encourage as many of our residents to shop and visit the city centre and to support their local businesses with the upcoming Christmas period being crucial to many."