Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
High costs blamed for empty city centre shops
A string of empty shops litter Canterbury’s bustling high street amid reports businesses are abandoning the city.
More than 20 retail buildings are vacant, including the former Ed’s Diner restaurant and Build-a-bear store in Whitefriars, which remain empty almost five months after closing.
Traders across the city are blaming high business rates and rents, as well as the trend in customers doing their shopping online.
Veg Box cafe owner Adam Child is concerned at how many businesses are shutting.
“It’s mental how many empty shops there are,” he said.
“I think it comes mostly down to the high rents and rates. Being in the centre of town is expensive, which obviously makes it a lot harder.
“I hate the fact that only the chains survive. The amount of eateries must also have some bearing, too. The amount we have seen come and go is scary. The government also don’t make it easy for small businesses.
“We are VAT registered and have to give them 20% of everything. Soon all towns will look identical, which is a great shame.”
Restaurants which form part of national chains dominate the central shopping area at the top of town - including Mcdonald’s, Burger King and KFC, which have been joined by the city’s newest diner, Bill’s Restaurant, which opened on Monday (May 22).
Anthony Janes is owner of The Lighthouse in Palace Street, which is celebrating its 50th year in the city.
“The high street looks the same as any other, which a lot of people are attracted to,” he said.
“A lot of the bigger towns and cities are all similar.
“It’s expensive to run a shop and a lot of things you can get online. People have these good ideas but by the time they’ve paid all of their outgoings they’ve got no money left. Companies need to expand what they offer to give a better service.”
Canterbury Cathedral’s Dean and Chapter owns 50 retail premises within the city walls, but says just one is looking for new tenants.
Spokesman Jane Walker said: “Currently we only have one empty shop property that is available to let. There are others that may appear to be empty but are in the process of being fitted out and have already been let.”
Popular chain Yo! Sushi will be added to the city’s array of restaurants in the coming months at the former Strada building in Sun Street.
Revivals owner Debbie Barwick says it is harder for younger people to set up a busi- ness in the city due to high rates and rent.
She said: “Rates are too high and they’ve just put them up.
“For me it’s a hobby, but if somebody came in here who was young with a family and a mortgage on a house and then having to buy the stock and do everything else they would never afford it. I own my own place. I’ve never been in debt.”
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