A survey published by the Local Data Company, shows the size of the problem facing Mary Portas, who has been asked to prepare a plan to revitalize Britain’s shopping areas. Her report is due to be submitted to the government in the autumn.
Press articles published today in ‘The Sun’ newspaper refer to Leigh Park, a suburb of Portsmouth as a ‘Ghost Town’.
Other newspapers such as The Guardian also refer to Leigh Park’s position as the worst performing retail centre in England with a vacancy rate of 36.4%.
Although Leigh Park has suffered along with other high streets across the country it only narrowly took top place of the vacancy table after Margate in Kent at 36.1%.
Tom Holloway, Director, Holloway Iliffe & Mitchell said: “Many businesses occupying retail units in high streets and town centres across Hampshire and West Sussex are finding times tough with the retail recovery taking long than hoped.
“Regeneration of our high streets requires the full support of the local authority and Havant Borough Council have shown they have a clear plan for the reuse of vacant retail premises in the borough.”
“Some secondary shops however may no longer be viable and the local planning authority needs to be receptive to changes of use to get these properties back into use.”
Over the last 12 months Holloway Iliffe & Mitchell have made good progress with sales and lettings of shop units in Leigh Park having had an input on all of the following transactions in this small retail centre.
