Vacant Retail Unit Number at Lowest in 12 Years

Recent figures show that Hailsham town centre has fallen well below the current regional and national averages of vacant ground floor commercial units, now having recorded the lowest number since 2006 resulting from the opening of a string of new businesses setting up shop in the town.

During the past few years, the town centre has welcomed a range of new businesses in the town centre, including those which have expanded and subsequently relocated to larger premises and retail spaces.

Businesses recently opened or opening imminently include Hay’s Café, New Image barbers and Maybugs gifts and homeware shop in Vicarage Field, in addition to The Deli, The G Zone video games store and an additional barber shop in St Mary’s Walk.

Deputy Town Clerk and Business Enterprise Manager Mickey Caira said: “The percentage of vacant commercial units in Hailsham currently falls below the current regional and national averages, which is excellent news for Hailsham. Hailsham is the place to be and there has been a marked improvement in the number of empty shops in the town centre which has fallen considerably since last year.”

Town Mayor Councillor Nigel Coltman said he is delighted to see Hailsham’s business activity strengthening and expects to see continual improvement in the future: “The Town Council and Hailsham Forward have key priorities to work with local businesses to deliver plans to help address the issue of empty shops further and work towards a 100% occupancy rate for retail and business units.”