Calls for Action Amid Empty Units in Carlisle City Centre
Readers have reacted to the numerous empty retail spaces and shops in Carlisle city centre, including The Lanes Shopping Centre.
Despite recent renovations to revamp the area, many retail units remain vacant and are up for lease or sale. A list of 25 empty spaces was shared last month, detailing their asking prices.
A notable example is 59 Scotch Street in Carlisle city centre. Readers have responded with ideas to fill the vacant shops and boost local business.
Peter Howe, a retired retailer, said: "As a retired retailer, I can tell you the sums no longer add up. Rent, rates, service charge, insurance, maintenance, and display costs. Add in wages and employer national insurance, plus the pension scheme and competition from the internet. This means you can’t physically get enough money through the tills with enough margin to even break even."
Author's summary: Carlisle city centre faces challenges with empty retail units.