When the Farm Store opened two years ago, they had literally no choice of properties – everything was fully booked.
Now? According to the local paper, 35 Shops Stand Empty in City.
To give those who do not live here some context, the commercial district is about the size of an American city block, maybe smaller. When they talk about ‘Peas Hill’ and ‘Rose Crescent’ those are just names for few dozen buildings that once made a street in 1345 or so – practically on top of each other. Not separate outlying neighborhoods.
For those traitors who moved away, check it – we’re talking about what looks to my untrained eye like half the stores have closed, and the Grand Arcade is still mostly vacant.
Add to that the bailiffs shutting at least eight pubs, and one of the main musical venues, and it is…. eerie.