What is happening to the 7 rentable retail units in Hitchin?

A host of sites across the town stand empty, including units such as the former Scope, Monsoon on Bancroft and the former salon at 5 The Arcade.

Businesses are nonetheless still flocking to the town, with Say Doughnuts arriving in Churchyard, Knead and Desire in Churchgate and The Shack in Sun Street.

Hammered in the Arcade and Teller Bar also moved into units at Bucklesbury.

The current units on the market:

1. Former charity shop unit 

Put on the market by Aitchison Raffety, the Unit at 30 Market Place was formerly home to Scope.

The 1,286 Sq Ft property costs £36,500 per year and became the latest vacant unit after the charity shop closed yesterday.

The Scope charity shop closed yesterday (Wednesday, October 1). (Image: Dan Mountney) According to the estate agents, it is also a Grade II listed building with "high footfall".

2. Ex Hitchin Flooring store

The former Hitchin Flooring unit at 13 Hermitage road is up to let for £45,000 per year by Aitchison Raffety.

Described as a "town centre lock-up shop", the property features a kitchenette, toilet and on-street parking.

3. Brand Street store

This 345 Sq Ft retail unit is still inhabited by Professional Dry Cleaners.

Agents Aitchison Raffety have put the property on the market for £20,000 per year. 

Professional Dry Cleaners at 5A Brand Street. (Image: Google Maps) It is described as being in a "busy town centre location" with a "large window display".

4. Former salon under offer

The unit at 5 The Arcade was formerly home to salon Fringe Benefits is currently under offer according to agents Kirkby Diamond.

According to the estate agents, the property is a ground floor retail unit with the addition of first floor sales area and stock room. There is also double frontage, LED lighting, gas central heating, WC and Kitchen facilities.

The 700 sq ft property is up for £17,000 per annum.

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5. High Street unit

After Halifax's closure on November 10, 2022, the high street spot has been vacant for almost two years.

The former bank unit is available to rent for £85,000 per year by Agents Aitchison Raffety. 

Including a large ground floor retail space and ancillary space on the second floor. It also comes with class E planning permission therefore, the recipient can use the building for several retail purposes in addition to serving food without council consultation.

6. New Bakery on Bancroft

Estate Agents Kirkby Diamond have listed the vacant unit at 16 Bancroft for £60,000 per year.

The ex-Monsoon unit at 16 Bancroft. (Image: Google Maps) A planning application has now confirmed that GAIL's will be taking over 16 Bancroft, which is currently under offer and has stood empty since former tenants Monsoon moved out.

The plans have also confirmed that, if approved, alterations will be made to the shopfront, with new paint, signage and a retractable red fabric awning proposed.

GAIL's has long been a hit with customers since opening its first bakery in London back in 2005.

7. Market Place unit for let

Next-door to Waterstones and the Arcade, the unit at 33 Market Place is up to let for £36,250 per year.

The former O2 shop at 33 Market Place. (Image: Google Maps) Agents Kirkby Diamond are renting the 596 sq ft unit previously home to O2.

The property includes a ground floor retail unit benefiting from a double frontage, electronic shutters, rear stock room, managers office, WC and Kitchen facilities.