There’s lot of doom and gloom in the media about the state of the retail market, but my experience during the first two months of the year has proven it’s not as bad as is being reported.

I’m very pleased to be acting for Evolve Estates, who acquired the Borough Parade Shopping Centre in Chippenham last year.  Three deals have been agreed there this year. A new “Bubble Tea” shop has already opened; a lease has been completed for men’s outfitters Outfit78 to expand and relocate across the road from Emery Gate; and contracts have been exchanged for an exciting new Wine Bar to take a double unit scheduled to open in April.

Over in Devizes I’ve let a shop in Northgate Street for a new beauty salon and agreed terms on another shop in the Market Place.

In Calne I’ve been instructed on a shop in the main Phelps Parade in the town centre and received two offers on it within days of it being available with terms now finalised with one of those parties.  Don’t believe all you read in the media!

Bubble Tea shop in Borough Parade, Chippenham