05 Dec 2023
This has been the year Harpenden’s bubble burst, with the effects of the economic downturn taking an unprecedented toll on a retail footprint which once seemed immutable.
Long-established family-run businesses have closed their doors forever, the last few banks have disappeared from the High Street, and even some of the chain stores have been unable to survive.
The most recent losses include long-standing off licence Wine Rack, independent outlet Good Sports and the town’s AGA store.
But over the last couple of months things have slowly started to improve, with new shops and eateries – both independents and chains – opening for business.
They include Wenzel’s – in the premises once occupied by Coppers Boots & Shoes – and Darlish ice cream shop in the former Parker & Vine deli store.
Area Estates purchased the Harpenden Estate – the “island” of premises on the High Street and Leyton Road that includes shops such as Space NK, Jojo Maman Bebe,
Hamptons and Papa Johns – and is actively striving to fill vacant units on the Estate.
“There’s a lot of interest from multiples and independents,” said property manager, Sam Sherrard.
“We’ve recently changed letting agents and are working closely with retailers to ensure that we bring the right tenant mix of shops. Most of them are trading really well, but some have struggled to recover from the pandemic and pressures from online shopping and have either closed or become insolvent. We would never push anyone out, and often closures are outside of our control.
“We’re being very proactive and trying to bring in a mix of independents and multiples to the area, businesses like [ice cream shop] Darlish, KZL Barber, and Morrisons [who have taken over Martin McColl’s]. We also have a well-known multiple taking over the Bank of Scotland unit that has been closed for some years.
“We are delighted that there is a lot of interest from several additional retailers who we are currently hoping to bring to the high street and footfall is on the rise.”
“Meanwhile, the town council is pledging wider support to Harpenden businesses, including the retail sector, and has launched a survey to understand the challenges they are facing in the current environment.
The research is being carried out in partnership with not-for-profit social enterprise WENTA, specialists in providing free expertise, advice and support to local businesses.
Town Mayor Cllr Fiona Gaskell said: “One of the town council’s priorities is to help create a vibrant local economy where businesses can thrive. We would really encourage business owners to take a small amount of time to share their thoughts. The more responses that we get, the better our understanding will be.”
Businesses can find the survey on HTC’s website: www.harpenden.gov.uk. The closing date for submissions is December 22.
