The British Retail Consortium (BRC) found that Britain lost 6,000 shops in five years and warned that local authorities must make a ‘cohesive plan’ to revive shopping areas.
Covid, the cost-of-living crisis and ‘crippling’ business rates meant companies were deserting retail spaces, the trade association said.
In the second quarter of 2023, vacancies in shopping centres were at 17.8% and 13.9% of high street storefronts were vacant.
Lucy Stainton, commercial director at the Local Data Company, said: ‘With the continuing trend in mind, we do not foresee any improvements to vacancy rates in future.’
The highest vacancy rates were in the north east and the Midlands, followed by Wales and Scotland.
Greater London, the south east and the east of England maintained the lowest vacancy rates.
BRC chief executive, Helen Dickinson, said: ‘The Government announcement earlier in the week about making changes of use to vacant units easier is welcome but it’s important local councils have a cohesive plan, and don’t leave gap-toothed high streets that are no longer a customer destination and risk becoming inviable.’
