We are into November and many retailers are starting to get ready for Christmas, though some are waiting for Bonfire Night or Remembrance Day to start in earnest. Next week I will explore and report on activity.

I am sure that the Herald will have reported on the BID (Business Improvement District) Ballot Result, but I can’t let the opportunity go to comment on the result myself. Firstly, in case you haven’t picked it up, the result of the Ballot to adopt the Business Plan was a ‘yes’.

The turnout was very disappointing at 23.7 per cent, 102 ballots returned from 422 ballot papers issued of which two were excluded for uncertainty. You will recall that Altrincham’s first Ballot received a turnout of 44 per cent. Of the 100 valid papers 75 per cent voted ‘yes’ to adopt the Plan so 25 per cent voted ‘no’.

The Business Plan recorded that the total rateable value of the businesses eligible to vote was more than £15 million, the aggregate rateable value of those that voted was £3.3. million, (22 per cent), with those voting ‘yes’ only 18 per cent.

Even so the mandate to proceed has been given. Now the work delivering the Plan begins. The BID period officially starts on 1 April 2024.

Vacancy Report

Curchod & Co shared their vacancy rate for retail shops report with me a week or so ago. As hoped and expected it has dropped from just over nine per cent, to 7.8 per cent. The report records that there are 12 shops vacant, ie. there is.no current or immediately planned activity in them the highest profile ones being the former NatWest Bank at 39 The Borough and the former HSBC bank at 33 The Borough. There are some, for example the former Argos store, that are empty but work is due to start, or continue shortly. I am hearing that the former NatWest site could be about to be sold but when I hear more I will let you know.

The reduction in the vacancy rate is of particular significance because activity generally in the region has slowed, or not recovered as much as normal after the summer holiday downturn.

Downing Street

The number of shops vacant changes continually, as I am sure you will have noticed. The MyFroyoLand frozen yogurt shop at number 23 Downing Street appears to be either partly vacated or is being refitted. I have tried to contact the owners, so far, without success. Another shop to be vacated in Downing Street shortly is the COOK premises at number 21. It is official now and in the public domain.

COOK

Are relocating to the western left-hand side of the Seven Stars House building. Paul, the manager of the branch, told me they are closing the Downing Street shop on Thursday, November 30 and opening the new shop on Friday, December 1. Apparently, the decision to relocate from Downing Street was difficult for the joint CEO, Ed Perry, because he lived above the shop when he started the business in 1997. The staff are, needless to say very happy about their forthcoming move and to be able to stock a wider range and in larger quantities which can be collected or delivered. Although not 100 per cent confirmed the founder, Ed, is likely to be at East Street at the opening. They will also have some parking.

I was told unofficially, but not by the branch manager, Paul, that there is interest in the right-hand side of the building. As soon as I hear more I will let you know.

The White Company

The White Company are opening in the former Orvis store at 12 Lion and Lamb Yard on Wednesday 29 November at 10am. They appear to have a real problem communicating with me, deleting emails, within seconds of dispatch, which ask a couple of questions I am sure you would like the answers to. I hope they treat residents of Farnham better.

The Luxe

I spoke to the owner/manager last week and we are in for one almighty treat when The Luxe which is located in the former Laura Ashley shop in Lion & Lamb Yard opens as a fine dining, demonstration dance, music and art venue towards the end of this month. The internal decorations and fitting out will blow you away. An example of what is in store is illustrated in this article. Watch this space.

Luxury Faux Flowers

Luxury Faux Flowers have vacated number 5A Lion & Lamb Yard. A Making Matters (craft) pop-up shop has occupied the space and will have a presence up until Christmas I hear.

Coffee Diem

George Murray has told me that Coffee Diem will be staying open for business until Friday, December 22 and he and his wife are still hopeful that an individual or partnership will purchase the business and negotiate a new lease for the premises in the Lion & Lamb Yard. George also said that: “Coffee Diem has been a very successful business, we have tried to create a real community and it has been popular with locals and visitors. It has also created lots of local employment and I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience, with no regrets whatsoever.” I will update on this before Christmas if I hear anything.

Borough Beer House

The owners of the Alfred Freehouse pub in Upper Hale were granted planning permission, for change of use of the former Ruby La La shop, the Grade II listed Bailiffs Hall at number 6 Town Hall Buildings, to a Public House (sui generis) use. The lease has been signed and judging by the noise inside, and lights on work has started fitting out the building. The building originates from 1674 but was rebuilt in the early 1930’s.

The owners hadn’t come back to me but their website says they are opening in December as a family-owned and operated craft beer bar. They say that ‘with 18 keg lines, six hand pumps for cask ales, and a fridge stocked with cans and bottles, our curated and ever-changing beer list will not only cater to all tastes but endeavour to expand and broaden them as well.’ I can’t wait.