Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
BUSINESS LEADERS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT BOUNCING BACK
Promise is in the air elsewhere in the city as new businesses open and retailers look forward to the further easing of lockdown restrictions. Canterbury Business Improvement District (BID) says that while 42 businesses have closed their doors in the last year, some 25 have also opened, spelling fresh hope for Canterbury’s bruised retail sector.
Chief executive Lisa Carlson said: “Reflecting the rest of the country, Canterbury’s high street has lost some businesses during the pandemic. “It’s always hard to lose businesses, but even prior to Covid, there was more turnover and change, and continued investment in Canterbury. “With proposals on several of the larger sites we expect the vacancy rate to drop significantly over coming months.” Mrs Carlson remains optimistic about the future of the city centre, where footfall was down just 17% last week compared to the same period in 2019 - despite restrictions still being in place and many attractions yettoopen.
“We were hugely excited that non-essential businesses started to reopen once again,” she said.
“We are feeling positive and energised about the year ahead and confident that we can encourage visitors and residents alike to shop and dine in Canterbury, within a safe and welcoming environment. “Just this month we have seen [Kent burger restaurant] Chuck and Blade, Vintage Superstore, Victoria Grace Bridal and [restaurant] No.35 opening their doors.
“We are also very excited to see city centre hotel, Hampton by Hilton, opening at the end of May.”
With indoor hospitality, hotels, cinemas and museums set to reopen on May 17, Mrs Carlson hopes trade will only increase.
“We very much hope customers continue to show support,” she said. “We also look ahead to introducing new visitor experiences over the coming months. “We have beautiful hotels and B&BS, our well-loved festivals such as Pride Canterbury and the Medieval Pageant. Our music festivals are returning this year along with Kent Cricket season, the Sandwich Golf Open and even a big screen to watch Wimbledon in the city centre.” Of Canterbury’s 130 pubs, cafes and restaurants, 91 opened for outdoor dining or takeaway last week, while a further 19 are set to join them when dining restrictions are lifted.
The remaining 20 have not yet announced reopening dates.