Almost half East Mids' ex-Woolworths still empty
The occupancy rate of ex-Woolworths stores in the East Midlands rose 23 per cent between July 2009 to July 2010, according to a report by The Local Data Company. But 44 per cent of stores remain unoccupied in the region.
Nationally, researchers say Iceland and 99p Stores have taken up the most ex-Woolworths stores with occupancy levels at 60 per cent. More than 300 former Woolworths stores remain unoccupied.
Matthew Hopkinson, business development director of The Local Data Company, said: "This shows that take up of ex-Woolworths stores has continued, with a majority now being occupied.
"There are, however, a significant number that, for whatever reason, have not been reoccupied."
Liz Peace, chief executive of the British Property Federation, added: "It is extremely heartening that most of Woolworths' former stores now have new occupiers. This has filled vacant shops on high streets across the country – and more importantly has safeguarded vital jobs.
"Undoubtedly some of the remaining (stores) are in less easy-to-shift locations or have some structural problems, but one would hope as the market continues to improve that alternative occupiers will be found.
"However, it is pity that the owners of these vacant shops are paying out thousands in empty rates rather than making good use of that money to improve the stores to make them more attractive letting propositions.”
