THREE of Wellington’s empty shops are due to come back to life in the coming weeks giving the town’s independent retailers and shoppers a real boost.
Tim Potter’s former butchers’ shop on the High Street which has been empty since he moved his business to bigger premises in Fore Street has now been let, together with the residential accommodation above.
The ground floor shop is currently being refitted as a barber’s but will include ‘beauty and tanning’. It is hoped that the shop’s revival will have a positive effect of the future of the former Stead and Simpson’s shop next door which was sold to an investor in March 2018 and is now to let.
Tim Potter is about to expand his own business into the former Powell’s Workwear shop next door which has been empty since March 2018. Tim said, “I’ve got planning permission to knock an archway through to the shop but am now waiting for building regulations to be passed. This is a bit more complex because we are a butchers’ but I’m hoping we can get on with the work very soon.”
The former bookshop on Fore Street run by Clive Keeble which has been empty since 2016 is now being refitted as an art gallery and craft shop. The ‘Talent Gallery’ will exhibit work by local artists and craftsmen and women.
Whilst there are still a number of vacant properties in the town centre and in South Street, there are signs that Wellington as a town remains attractive for shopkeepers – and that is good news for residents.