The shop vacancy rate in Winchester city centre is lower than it was before the Covid pandemic, according to recent figures. 

Winchester BID's Business Barometer Report said that, in July, the rate was 5.7 per cent, compared to 7.7 per cent at the start of the year.

The vacancy rate on the High Street is lower at five per cent when the national average is 13.9 per cent.

Recent openings in the city centre include Mooch, Wenzel’s Bakery, Suave Owl, Claire's, NAAFI and John D Wood and Co.

READ MORE: New stationery shop 'Mooch' opens in former Winchester Paperchase shop

Hampshire Chronicle: High Street vacancy rates

The BID's report said: “In mid-July 2023, the city centre vacancy rate covering the Brooks Centre, Colebrook Street, St. George’s Street, High Street, Jewry Street, Market Street, Middle and Upper Brook Streets, Parchment Street, St. Thomas Street, Southgate Street and The Square was 5.7 per cent [7.7 per cent at the start of 2023]. There has been a remarkable change in fortune at the ‘Brooks’ following much more professional management and a concerted marketing campaign. 18 months ago, the vacancy rate was around 20 per cent. It is now estimated at five per cent.

“The High Street vacancy rate is five per cent, the lowest since January 2020. New arrivals include Wenzel’s Bakery taking over the TSB outlet, Claire’s a jewellery and accessory shop taking over the outlet next to the Halifax Building Society and Superdrug. And the Boots Hearing outlet towards the top of the High Street has been sold. At five per cent, the High Street vacancy rate is less than half the latest national High Street vacancy figure of 13.9 per cent. 

SEE ALSO: Wenzel’s The Bakers opens in Winchester High Street

Hampshire Chronicle: Winchester High Street

“Given the extremely challenging conditions that all businesses face, Winchester’s retailers in particular are performing extremely well. The city, itself, continues to prove its ability to attract both independent and national outlets. The arrival of Claire’s and Wenzel’s are two recent examples. The low High Street vacancy rate of five per cent and the prospect of an overall sales increase of around six per cent in 2023 compared with 2022 add to the sense of realistic optimism.”

Winchester BID executive director Paul Spencer said: “The Winchester High Street vacancy rate is now five per cent which is the lowest since January 2020. This is less than half the latest national High Street vacancy figure of 13.9 per cent. The wider city centre vacancy rate is 5.7 per cent which is down from 7.7 per cent at the start of 2023. Given the challenging economic conditions that businesses continue to face Winchester businesses are performing extremely well. The city is also continuing to attract new independent and national businesses.”