A GROUP of Gravesend retailers have got together in favour of the new Edinburgh House development.

Known as Yes to Gravesend, they are hoping to offer a united voice of support for the £150 million scheme that will see the heritage quarter redeveloped including new shops, open spaces and a 32 storey tower of flats.

Without it, they claim the future of the town is doomed.

Richard Lane, owner of Richard Lane Jewellery, who is heading the group said Gravesend is crying out for investment.

He said: “Since the recession in the 1990s, we have never really reached the turnover of the late 80s.

“We’ve seen Topshop go, all the anchor stores and large people have left, and pound shops are opening all over the place.”

Roy Pomphrett, owner of The Warehouse Furnishings added: “If it doesn’t happen, we’ll lose what we’ve already got.”

Other retailers echoed this sentiment in the meeting. New Road Coffee Republic owner Dave Waller said the Edinburgh House proposals were instrumental in their opening a store here.

He said: “For Coffee Republic it was one of the fundamental reasons to come here, about 75 per cent of the decision.”

Martin Ramm, manager at Marks and Spencers, said he believed the countrywide business may rethink their position in the town if the scheme was not given the go ahead.

He said: “I can’t speak for Marks and Spencer but if it doesn’t go ahead Marks probably wouldn’t be in the town. It’s one of the last stores to have a refit and it costs a lot of money.”

All the retailers at the meeting believe this is an opportunity that needs to be snapped up.

Manager of Boots the Chemist Jeanette Campbell said: “We’ve got to wake up. They’re injecting this money into a tired town.

“It will make it a fantastic place to live, a great place to shop, and a great place to work.”

Phil Hales owner of True Hair and Beauty added the tower may not be popular but it would bring the income needed.

He said: “People will either love or hate the tower, but the tower will need to happen to provide the right economy for the town to work.