Cheltenham town centre vacancy rates lower than national average, says council
Cheltenham Borough Council has revealed that 8 per cent of ground floor units in the town centre are vacant, which is a lot lower than the 14% national average for the UK's High Streets.
It comes after several new store openings and council officers counted and reviewed all ground floor units within the town centre, as well as popular destination shopping areas, including The Suffolks and Bath Road, as part of the ongoing Vacant Units Action Plan, commissioned by the council and Cheltenham BID last year.
READ MORE: Cheltenham’s HR People Support marks five years in business
The plan aims to understand the current status of buildings within the town centre and proactively work with landlords, agents and stakeholders to tackle the issue of vacancies.
"This is an exciting time for Cheltenham, and we are proud that the high street and surrounding areas continues to attract investment from major brands and independent businesses alike, helping to make the town a vibrant and thriving centre of activity," said Cllr Martin Horwood, cabinet member for economic development, wellbeing and culture.
"Cheltenham performs much better than many other towns, footfall is strong, and the number of vacant units is lower than the national average."
Coming soon, the former Superdry store on the Promenade is being converted to a Charles Tyrwhitt store and Settebello Trattoria, a pizza restaurant, which already has an outlet in Gloucester Quays, is due to open on Imperial Lane.
The council is also in talks with several other potential businesses who are looking to move to Cheltenham subject to suitable premises becoming available.
Horwood added: "Of course, we are not complacent. As a council we will continue to play a strong leadership role in tackling some of the issues associated with the vacant units we do have – which includes ensuring landlords are cleaning up their shopfronts and proactively marketing their premises for let.
"It’s great to see that where vacant units do exist, our local businesses are making good use of space on a temporary basis."
Tracy Cadogan, owner at Art Union, an art gallery and gift shop, which recently opened on Winchcombe Street, noted: "Cheltenham is a great place to do business. We’ve already welcomed lots of customers through the doors and everyone has been so positive.
"As well as artwork and gifts, we sell a lovely range of Cheltenham merchandise and we’re also happy to be sharing information for visitors like town guides and trail maps."
