The Economy Looking back
The High Street suffered further losses with the closure of three independent retailers. Good Sports , G&P Hair Salon and Map Stores. Plus AGA. However on a positive note five new ventures opened: Morrisons; Nonna’s Cafe and Restaurant; Johnson Blythe Hairdressers; Wenzels Bread and Cakes and Darlish Ice Cream.
Southdown Shops have seen a new owner at Southdown Hardware where local entrepreneur Peter Metcalfe promised to retain the same product range with expert advice. A Sushi Take Away opened it’s doors next to the CoOp and is proving very popular.
Looking forward
The High Street as a whole is yet to recover high levels of footfall with trade across many sectors still disappointing. Pubs and bars are also seeing lower spending whilst coffee bars are continuing to thrive. AND more hospitality units due to open soon. Like the burgers and beers at SEAR almost next door to The MEATING ROOM, both in Station Rd. Nail Bars like Krystal's Nails in Southdown are appearing in a number of other locations with beauty treatments.
Southdown has also seen the opening of The Burger Box.
The Town’s two Employment Centres offer a stark contrast with Coldharbour Lane about to see the completion of a new 63 bed care home development. PLUS the expansion of two purpose built multi business centres which are already well occupied.
The Southdown Industrial Estate is still unoccupied in the lower section and the upper section is a mess of parked cars, potholed roads and unrepaired structures. The units on the right as you enter reflect the way the rest of the site should be developed.
HTC have announced a Business Plan which includes a Strategic Objective to
Promote the economic and commercial vitality of small businesses, including the High Street, Southdown and other retail hubs.
Let’s hope their plans ‘work’ towards improving the Southdown Estate.
Ron Taylor