Empty shops caused by more than recession

The downturn is not the only reason why so many high street retail premises are empty, it has been claimed.

Data published this week found that shop-vacancy rates are still high in many areas of the country. However, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has argues the problem lies well beyond the recession.

“Many of the problems of town centres have more fundamental causes than simply the economic slowdown and they will not disappear just because recovery is underway,” said BRC director general Stephen Robertson.

“High street shops are often battling big bills for business rates and rents, parking and access difficulties, as well as failure to manage and invest in the area.”

Robertson said town centres needed to be actively managed in order to safeguard local communities and economies.

The BRC's 21st Century High Streets report sets out a series of recommendations for ensuring the survival of the high street.

The recommendations include a freeze on all new property and business rates and a strong focus on crime reduction.

The organisation also called for careful monitoring of retail areas in economic danger arguing that ‘curing ill health is easier than reviving the dead’.

© Crimson Business Ltd. 2010