Santa axed as new shopping centre owners revealed
BBCThere are questions over the future plans for a city's main shopping centre after it suddenly announced it would be cancelling its Santa's Grotto just a week before Christmas.
The Potteries Centre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, made the shock decision on Thursday.
In a further twist, centre manager Amy Whittaker took to LinkedIn to reveal she was saying goodbye posting she was "absolutely gutted" to leave the centre, the team, friends and colleagues.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council, which runs the centre's indoor market, said ownership of the Potteries had recently transferred to Belgate Estates which has been approached for more details on its plans for the site.
The shopping centre has described itself as "creating a place for us all to shop, eat, drink, meet, play and do."
On its website, it states it has more than 50 shops, seven restaurants and cafes and a nine screen cinema all under one roof.
On Thursday it said it had made the "difficult decision" to cancel its Ice Palace Grotto due to "unforeseen circumstances", apologised to families who were looking forward to visiting and said it would issue full refunds.
But it did not respond to a request to expand on the nature of those unforeseen circumstances.
A spokesperson for The Potteries Centre confirmed the transfer of ownership and said it represented a "strategic addition" to Belgate Estates' portfolio.
They added: "Belgate Estates brings significant experience in the ownership and operation of shopping centres of this nature, with a strong track record in managing mixed-use retail environments, supporting occupiers, and maintaining vibrant, well-performing destinations.
"This experience will underpin a considered, long-term approach to the stewardship of The Potteries Centre, focused on sustaining its role as a vital hub for retailers, visitors and the local community."
A Stoke-on-Trent City Council spokesperson said: "We have been made aware of the recent transfer of ownership of the Potteries Centre and we are actively engaged with the new owners, Belgate Estates, to ensure a seamless transition for our customers and traders within Hanley Indoor Market."
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