The number of empty commercial properties in Selby, North Yorkshire, has dropped by 45 per cent since 2010, mainly thanks to loyal local customers.
Two years ago, 12.7 per cent of Selby’s commercial properties were empty, but this fell last year to 10.3 per cent. This has since further reduced to just 6.9 per cent this year – 42 per cent lower than the English national average, which currently stands at a 12 per cent vacant rate, according the research conducted by the Local Data Company (LDC).
Speaking of Selby’s turnaround, Matthew Hopkinson, Director of the LDC, stated: “Compared to national figures, Selby is doing all right, at about half the national average of vacant shops.
“In terms of where it is going, Selby is about maintaining the right balance and encouraging more independent shops to offer unique shopping.”
So what has Selby got to offer to keep customers spending in the town centre? According to Mr Hopkinson, Selby has plenty of health and beauty commercial properties, food and drink outlets, travel agents and estate agents on offer. The variety of shops on offers enables people to shop locally rather than venturing to neighbouring towns such as York or Leeds.
Speaking of what the town has to offer, Mr Hopkinson added: “Convenience is quite high, that is to say there are three bakers, two butchers, a fishmonger, cheese shop, delicatessen and four supermarkets.
“What’s in Selby’s favour is what a lot of people would go out of town for is in the town centre, though it has slightly below the national average of independent retailers, 62 per cent, compared to 66 per cent.”
One commercial property owner, Natalie Freeman, who opened an independent clothing retailer in Selby town last summer, is aware of the close community in Selby, but feels the local council could do more to help small businesses open in the area.
“It would be easier for small businesses if the council were more co-operative with allowing advertising or signs. We have to put balloons up permanently or posters in windows.
“It’s a nice little market town though, but it could be a lot more of more events were held to promote the town or draw people in. We could raise wider awareness of what there is in Selby,” Ms Freeman stated.
Do you live and shop locally in Selby or do you prefer to venture further afield and visit Leeds or York town centres?
