New Norwich Lego Store Opening Coincides With Drop in City Centre Empty Shops

Norwich city centre has recorded its lowest retail vacancy rate in 18 years, coinciding with the opening of a new Lego store at the Chantry Place shopping centre. A report published by Norwich City Council states that the proportion of empty retail units fell to 9.8% last month, compared to 15.2% in September of the previous year. Council officials attributed the drop partly to new store openings and noted that vacancy rates have not fallen below 10% since July 2008.

Report Findings and Retail Changes

The council report details a mixed period for local retail over the preceding 12 months, highlighting both closures and new additions:

• Openings: Lego launched its first store in East Anglia, marking its 24th location in the UK. Other brands such as Swarovski and Menkind have also opened branches.
• Closures: Established names including River Island, Select, and Claire's have shut their doors.
• Demolition Impact: The report notes that the demolition of the Anglia Square shopping centre, which began last year and removed 40 units, also contributed to the lower vacancy percentage.

Local Reactions and Next Steps

Ian Stutely, cabinet member for planning, described the figures as a vote of confidence in the city as a shopping destination. Planning head Sarah Ashurst stated that the data indicates a robust and thriving city centre, though she acknowledged that major sites like the former Wilko and Debenhams stores remain empty, with redevelopment plans in progress.

Discount chain QD, a long-standing retailer at the now-demolished Anglia Square site where it operated since 1985, expressed a desire to return to Norwich in the future if a suitable opportunity arises, according to head of operations Andy Jermy.

Norwich City councillors are scheduled to discuss the retail report on Monday. Readers can verify local announcements through official Norwich City Council publications and council meeting agendas.