CARLISLE CITY CENTRE TAKE UP AHEAD OF CHRISTMAS

Last weekend saw the annual Christmas lights switch on in the City, and with around one month to go, the shop windows are dressed, new stores are opening and there is a positive feel for retail in Carlisle.

Retail surveyor, Ben Blain of Carigiet Cowen has been actively involved with a couple of major lettings in the city centre this month. Most notably on Castle Street where national optician giant Specsavers have extended their presence in the town, moving in to the adjoining former Bookends unit and opening an audiologist department.

Within the same block of The Crown & Mitre Estate, Ben has also completed the letting within St Cuthbert’s Lane to Institute Menswear, a fashion company who will be open for Christmas trading shortly. These successes now see the scheme 100% let to a mixture of strong local independent businesses and national occupiers including Topshop and The Entertainer.

Other locations such as 52 Lowther Street and 5 Victoria Viaduct are under offer and Ben hopes completion on these lettings to a couple of local established retailers will take place before the month end. These transactions in line with the latest take up around The Lanes suggest lower availability levels going in to 2018.

Elsewhere in Carlisle, Ben is marketing 61 English Street, the former Greenwoods unit primely positioned next to Stormfront and River Island. This is an exciting opportunity for any local established business looking to take the next step and gain a high street presence. The unit is suitable for a variety of uses and comprises a generous ground floor sales area of approximately 1,000 sq ft, with further accommodation provided on the upper floors.

Ben is aware of new retail opportunities in desirable locations coming to the market in the new year and interested parties should contact him to register their interest on 01228 544733 or by visiting the Carigiet Cowen website www.carigietcowen.co.uk