Empty shops cause for 'concern' as leaders join forces to rejuvenate town centre

David Gambier, managing director at Experience Travel Group and interim chairman of the Witney Chamber of Commerce, said: "We are clearly concerned at the number of empty shops across Witney and we have discussed this at our last meeting with representatives of the WODC.

"It seems that there is a ready market for smaller premises where landlords are prepared to be flexible with their lease arrangements as these shops seem to be vacated and re-occupied relatively quickly.

"The issue is with the larger properties, such as Debenhams and the old Argos store which seem to be of a size that can only be taken on by a similar large company.

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"However, the fact that the former H&M premises seems to have been successfully taken over and converted into a pet store demonstrates that there is still demand and opportunities for larger businesses in Witney where their owners can see potential and the leaseholders demonstrate a degree of flexibility to come to agreements which work for all parties.

"We would hope that the currently vacant other shops in the Marriott development where we understand that the leases are less flexible might still be let."

According to West Oxfordshire District Council, the most recent audit of the town in March showed a vacancy rate of 9.3 per cent. This is just below the average of 9.9 per cent for South East England.

It said it was following with interest Government announcements on the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill which will give local leaders new powers to help rejuvenate high streets by forcing landlords to rent out empty shop units.

A council spokesperson said: "We will be looking at the final legislation once it is released by the government to see how we can use it in West Oxfordshire to benefit our local high streets.

"The council currently works constructively with any town centre landlord to help them get premises occupied with commercial tenants and any powers to help rejuvenate the high streets are welcome.

"Over recent years and through the pandemic, we have been working hard to support our high streets through various programmes including the launch of our Love West Oxfordshire LoyalFree scheme and we will continue to help our towns in any way we can."

Businessman Richard Martin, managing director of Cotswold Woollen Weavers, and director of Witney Blanket Hall, said the High Street should be re-opened to traffic until a comprehensive plan can be discussed.

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He added: "If we want to see more independent shops, we need more cheaper, smaller shops. The change that is already occurring to turn upper floors and back areas into flats, while retaining the road-front shops is an excellent one. It retains the commercial look of the High Street, and adds residents to support the goods and services being provided."

Meanwhile uncertainty continues to surround the former Debenhams which remains empty two years after the retail giant closed its stores in January 2020.

Marriotts Walk centre manager Simon Jones was unable to comment, leaving the future of the unit as something of a mystery.

Witney Gazette asked on Facebook what would you like to see in the old Debenhams.

We received 188 comments with the majority saying they wanted an affordable clothes shop such as Primark, Matalan or TK Maxx, an affordable homewares shop such as B&M or a nightclub. A sports shop was also needed, posters said.

A few suggested a music venue, a bowling arcade for teenagers, a theatre or arts centre, soft play or an indoor market with a variety of retailers.

A large number said anything but another coffee shop.

Oxfordshire County and West Oxfordshire District councillor Andrew Coles, whose ward includes both Marriott’s Walk and Witney High Street, said: “I remain deeply concerned about empty premises and, as a regular customer, was desperately saddened when Debenhams folded.

“We also lost Dorothy Perkins and Wallis and Evans around the same time, that was long before the pandemic struck and challenged our shopping habits to a whole new level.

“I have been in touch with the Chair of the Chamber of Commerce and am arranging a meeting to discuss how we can help further. The escalating cost of living crisis is exacerbating things even further with people having less money to spend. I’m sure the Government could do more to help in the short term."

But he added: “Witney is a resilient community and we deeply value our local shops and businesses, especially our precious independents, so I remain hopeful can bounce back.”