Business

Fewer empty shops in Wokingham than anywhere else in Berkshire

By Laura Herbert
January 10, 2013

There are fewer empty shops in Wokingham than in the rest of Berkshire, according to the latest report.

A survey from the Local Data Company revealed the percentage of vacant shops in the town in September 2012 was 8.4 per cent.

But the news comes as another high street giant prepares to leave town – Dorothy Perkins and Burton in Market Place will close its doors on Saturday.

The report showed Bracknell town centre as having the highest proportion of empty shops with 22.6 per cent of buildings vacant, up 3.2 per cent from 2011.

However, many of the buildings are empty and awaiting demolition as part of Bracknell’s regeneration.

Mark Walton, president of Wokingham Chamber of Commerce, said: “If you are outside of Wokingham everyone says what a lovely place it is, but people inside it think it’s not so good.

“Sometimes we have to measure these things to show people how good it is and Wokingham has around one in 10 shops empty.”

He added: “Wokingham benefits with the market town approach. You can come in on a Saturday when the sun is shining and then in the evening the cafes, restaurants and bars take over.

“What we are not generating is a mix of shops and part of this is reflected in the shape and sizes of stores. For example, Peacocks and M&Co are very narrow and long, which doesn’t make it attractive to retailers.

“The regeneration plans detail better quality and well-shaped units that will be easy to let.”

Speculation begins over Dorothy Perkins replacement

The results show Maidenhead has the second highest number of vacant stores with 15.5 per cent, up 27 per cent from the previous year.

Reading is one of only two towns in Berkshire where the number of empty shops has fallen. The town had 14.4 per cent of stores empty in September, down 10 per cent from 2011. Windsor also had a reduction of seven per cent to 9.2 per cent.

There is no data for the percentage of vacant buildings in Wokingham town centre in 2011.

Mr Walton continued: “The people who live in and around Wokingham love their town. There is still a lot of support for local trading and that’s what we need to enforce – if you want your town to be local, then keep buying local. These retailers need support and people need to be going into them and spending.

“Wokingham is doing very well compared to other towns but there is always scope for improvement, which is why the town team was set up.”

The town team aims to promote Wokingham and work with traders.

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Most recent user comments 9 of 9

Filling up empty shops with 'part time pop up' seasonal shops and yet more charity shops (of which there are only SLIGHTLY less than coffee shops and takeaways in Wokingham) does not add one bit to the general positive feeling and community spirit that Wokingham once had and has, in this gents view, been decreasing ever since they did away with Bull baiting in the town back in the 1600's.

Country chap, wokingham
16/01/2013 at 11:40

PoneRana - I believe Lloyds TSB is moving into the former Peacocks.

alex_f, Wokingham
15/01/2013 at 11:16

So... According to the plans .. retail units/cafes (say 10ish) will be built on one side of Elms Field with 4 storey housing on the other 2 sides (Wellington Rd is on the 4th side backed by housing) as well as a new plaza surrounded by new retail etc units (say 15), backing the old ones, replacing the car park behind Boots. That will push up the empty units % especially if some of the existing retailers move to the new shops. The fact that DP and Burtons are closing suggests how difficult it is to get major retailers anywhere without significant incentive. Usually the big brands demand free business rates and an income for being in a particular area. With more and more empty units in the surrounding areas competition will be intense to attract the big name retailers etc. Mark Walton does not seem to comprehend this and may never do so based on his comments above.

Stig2, Wokingham
14/01/2013 at 08:47

Peacocks was briefly used for a relatively successful indoor market. That was closed down but the shop is still empty. We need some more sustained efforts to attract shoppers into Wokingham.

Holding the farmers' market more often than once a month would be a start.

PoneRana, Wokingham
13/01/2013 at 12:15

Shops are only difficult to let if the asking price is too high. FACT.

R Matthews
11/01/2013 at 08:34

Narrow and long shops.... Hmm maybe they should look for Fishing rod retailers?

Dave35
10/01/2013 at 17:14

First Mr Walton does the council leadership by suggesting that a rise in car park charges would be acceptable.

http://www.getwokingham.co.uk/news/s/2126463_free_parking_not_the_best_way_to_attract_shoppers

Now he is championing the council leaderships plan for regenerating Wokingham town.

Should we expect to see him standing as councillor come the next election?

Remind me - what is the Chamber of Commerce meant to do?

Phil Challis, woodley
10/01/2013 at 17:03

Also bear in mind shops that are only open/used for a couple of months - these short-term leases, Christmas shops, etc. - they must skew the figures a little bit.

And this bit: “For example, Peacocks and M&Co are very narrow and long, which doesn’t make it attractive to retailers. The regeneration plans detail better quality and well-shaped units that will be easy to let.” - aren't they just facelifting most of the buildings? They can't be planning to knock down the buildings and start again, so... this won't change in the slightest, will it?

Perhaps next week 'The regeneration plans will turn the cobblestones in Wokingham into pure gold'.