TG Jones, a retailer of newspapers, magazines, stationery, and books, received court approval in August to close up to 150 of its 450 UK shops as part of a 'rescue scheme'. The Brentwood store, located in the Baytree Shopping Centre, is among those selected for closure. This closure will result in the loss of the town centre's only Post Office, although other branches in Brentwood remain unaffected. The decision by TG Jones impacts 60 Post Offices nationwide.
Cllr Gareth Barrett, Chair of the Asset & Strategy Committee, emphasised the importance of Post Offices. "Post Offices are vital for many people, not only to send and receive parcels and post, but to pay bills, access banking services, exchange currency and more," he stated. "The people least able to do this online are often also the people who find services difficult to access if they aren’t in a central spot. We know this, and we’re doing everything in our power to help the Post Office to stay, if they are willing."
The closure of TG Jones is separate from the planned redevelopment of the Baytree Shopping Centre. The council has offered the Post Office several temporary units within the centre, available until April 2028. The redevelopment aims to transform Baytree into a day-to-evening destination with dining, a cinema, and more. Consequently, if the Post Office accepts a temporary unit, it will still need to find a permanent High Street home after April 2028. The council has offered support in this search, including introductions to local property consultants.
"The ball is in the Post Office’s court," said Cllr Barrett. "We know our residents want the service to stay, and so do we. The door is open to discuss options." Alternative Brentwood Post Office branches are located in Eastham Crescent, Ongar Road, or Warley Hill.
