A surge in e-commerce sales driven by the pandemic generated long term life style changes, accelerated changes in the high street and physical retailing generally. The pandemic effect has since adjusted with footfall and trading recovered  to pre-pandemic levels resulting in a noticeable pace of destination retail, neighbourhood retail, the emergence of wellbeing focused (Pilates, yoga, beauty) as well as food and beverage uptake.

Changes in the Planning Use Classes Order in 2020 achieved much to alter the face of retailing in the long term. The introduction of the new E Class replaced all former retail A, B1 and D1 uses, encompassing  retail, restaurants, financial & professional services, non-residential institutions such as medical, day nurseries, indoor sport and leisure. The flattening of use classes to a horizontal policy in response to the  “lockdown effect”. This led to a noticeable return to local shopping, which has continued.

In towns and regions, of which Windsor and The Thames Valley are not exempt, a more recent less desirable influx of easy to open mini markets / vape shops has raised concerns at national level in the news, with associated money laundering activity and under the counter drug dealing exposed recently by BBC news journalists at national level. This Is not good. One local restaurant was raided for criminal illegal immigrant and under age employment breaches, only a few months ago. Christopher Thomas met the Windsor MP Jack Rankin recently to discuss the trend, with suggested means of controlling the ability of such trades to open.

On a day to day basis we work hard to protect clients by filtering enquires into market lettings which promote the streetscape, retail mix, general offer to the relevant catchment, and the health of retailing.  Unfortunately, we do not act for every landlord so are unable to wholly control the vagrancies of least resistance lettings. A few weeks ago we came across an upper part of a shop, turned into an HMO by a tenant without the landlord’s knowledge, consent or necessary compliance. There is a noticeable laissez fair help yourself attitude which has crept in amongst certain retail sectors with ignorance a fallacious excuse, flouting rules and regulations, there to be obeyed for good statutory reasons.

On a positive note where we are instructed, we achieve excellent lettings for the landlord to good tenants, for the benefit of the local area and our clients.

Recently 57 St Leonard’s Road Windsor has been let to Figoli Hairdressers (in preference to a host  food and coffee shop operators) 5 High Street Datchet has been let to Horlers Estate Agents, (against a tide of nail bar operator enquiries), over in Twyford High Street terms are agreed with a Pilates Studio (in preference to a mix of mobile/vape enquiries and nail bars) we are also pleased to see Skin & Sculpt, refined aesthetics and beauty treatments, moving into 77/79 Dedworth Road Windsor (beating off a chicken fast food takeaway outlet).

In the medium to long term interest of our region, where we can, we try hard to preserve a standard of retailing which benefits the community at large.

In addition to our agency commitment, we are also qualified at RICS expert witness level to conduct rent reviews, lease renewals and professional valuations.

Featured Photograph: Market Cross House High Street Windsor let a few years ago to an excellent local wine bar and food operator.