Exeter Poundland branch set to close

An NHS audiology service will move into the high street store

The shock news has been revealed as part of a planning application that would see Chime, an NHS Audiology Service, move into the Queen Street store.

If the change of use for 21-22 Queen Street plans are approved by Exeter City Council, then Chime would relocate from its existing premises in the Harlequin Shopping Centre.

The application adds that the unit is currently occupied by Poundland, but it will close in September 2019.

A statement with the planning application adds: “The proposal is that the refurbished unit will be occupied by Chime, an NHS Audiology Service who offer adult and children’s services on behalf of NHS Devon, in Exeter, Mid & East Devon.

“The proposed use is for a hearing test centre as Chime currently occupy a retail unit within the adjacent Harlequin Centre, but are seeking relocation in anticipation of the redevelopment of the centre.

“The proposed layout of the new unit will be dominated by consulting rooms and a waiting area, and there will be a small area dedicated to the sale of hearing aids and associated goods, and there will be internal alterations to the unit to create the necessary consulting rooms, sales area and waiting area for the hearing centre.”