Number of empty shops in town falling

Friday 06 August 2021

St. Helier's retail vacancy rate reduced in the second quarter of this year to approximately half the rate in the UK.

The vacancy rate is a measure of how many shop premises are empty compared with those that are trading.

St. Helier's rate is currently 7.66%, compared with the UK average of 14.5%.

Town Centre and Events Manager, Connor Burgher, said: “I’m pleased to see the vacancy rate reduce once more. It is yet more evidence that retailers have confidence in the St Helier town centre.

"Many of the properties listed as vacant are currently going through redevelopment, so I’m confident that figure will continue to fall in the coming months and years.”

Among them is a refurbishment of the former Beghins shoe shop into a brasserie-style restaurant.