WINDSOR town centre is recovering bit by bit as new shops are set to move in and activity returns to almost pre-pandemic levels.
Paul Roach, Windsor town manager, gave an update to the Windsor Town Forum on Thursday, September 2, and detailed the latest footfall, business activity, and parking levels since the majority of the town centre opened up post-lockdown.
According to Mr Roach, the town is seeing “significant” numbers of vacant units being re-let – with eight new businesses, such as Black Sheep, Five Guys, Mooboo, “expecting” to move in the town centre from October.
The town has already seen a couple of businesses move in recently, including Mexican restaurant Tortilla in Peascod Street and Purple Patch in Goswell Plaza.
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He also said he was “sworn to secrecy” on who will move into the vacant Carluccio’s unit in Windsor Royal Station and the Costa Coffee unit as well.
While Windsor is seeing a small uptick in businesses eyeing to move in, the vacancy rate in the town centre stands at 9.41 per cent, which is 4.69 per cent lower than the national average.
However, Windsor’s rate could rise to nearly 17 per cent as some businesses have not yet opened or are in danger of closing permanently. But with the eight new businesses moving in, this figure could decrease.
According to Mr Roach, some businesses have done “better than they have ever done” in a post-lockdown world – with one company saying they have recorded their “best year ever”.
In the town manager’s report, footfall has increased from last year by 26.62 per cent but is still below pre-pandemic levels. Footfall in August 2021 was just six per cent down compared with August 2019.
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Car and coach parking figures are also increasing but are down by 20 per cent compared with 2019 data. Coach Park users in particular are “significantly down” and is not expected to return to normal usage next year when international travel is unrestricted.
The lead member for Windsor and deputy leader of the council, councillor Samantha Rayner (Con: Eton & Castle), said this is a “positive report” for the town and has been receiving enquiries from people who want to come to Windsor.
The chairman of the forum, councillor John Bowden (Con: Eton & Castle), said he has seen the town busy during the school holidays with staycationers visiting with events like the guard change returning.
He also speculated more visitors will come at next year’s Platinum Jubilee and could become even busier if the rumours are to be true that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge family decide to move into the Royal household.
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