More than 10 shops remain vacant in Bridgwater town centre

The shops – all of which occupy prime retail space in Bridgwater's High Street, Cornhill and Angel Place – stand empty, with many advertised as rental opportunities with local estate agents.

Big brands including Poundland, Clinton Cards, WHSmith, O2 and Wilko have all withdrawn from the town centre in recent years.

This is despite recent record investment into the town, including £23.2 million as part of the Town Deal which must be spent by March 2026. The Deal claims it will “‘level up’ the area and create a vibrant and welcoming town centre.”

The town is also set to experience the economic benefits of the Agratas battery gigafactory and the construction of nearby nuclear power station, Hinkley Point C.

Back in July 2024, Cllr Ros Wyke, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Prosperity, Assets & Development, commented on the Town Deal as “a huge opportunity to provide the town’s residents and businesses with lasting social, economic and cultural benefits.”

According to Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce, in 2023 there were around 15 vacant shops, which equated to a 7.5 per cent vacancy rate. One in seven High Street shops are currently closed in the UK.

If all vacant space in the town is accounted for, including former space occupied by pubs and banks - such as Barclays, Halifax and The Bridgwater Arms - the total number of vacant spaces in Bridgwater rises to above 15. 

The news comes as the government has announced new plans to give local authorities – which could include Somerset Council - powers to tackle persistently vacant properties by putting leases up for auction.

High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) will come into force on December 2, 2024. It is intended that legislation will stop disengaged landlords from sitting on empty properties for more than 365 days in a 24-month period. Councils can subsequently step in and auction a one-to-five year lease.

Local Growth Minister, Alex Norris said: “High streets are the beating heart of our communities. But for too long, too many have been neglected, with more and more empty lots and boarded up shopfronts.”

HSRAs form part of the government’s wider package of support for High Streets, including a freeze on the small business multiplier, which is intended to protect 90% of properties from inflationary increases in business rate liabilities.

Business tax rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties will be permanently lowered from 2026-2027.

A spokesperson for Bridgwater Town Council said: "Currently, the national average of empty retail premises stands at 14.5%, while Bridgwater’s rate is significantly lower at 7.69%."

"While we share the concerns of residents regarding empty shops, addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from local councils, businesses, and community groups to revitalise town centres and make them attractive destinations for both businesses and shoppers.  We are actively working with the Bridgwater Town Team to improve the Town Centre for everyone."

"The funding from the Town Deal is a part of our efforts to ‘level up’ the area and create a vibrant and welcoming town centre. Additionally, the Town Council is committed to maintaining a clean and pleasant environment by regularly cleaning the streets and maintaining planters.

The spokesperson ended: "We also organise various town centre events to attract visitors and enhance community engagement. Furthermore, improvements to the Town Hall are underway to make it a central hub for activities, thereby increasing footfall and supporting local businesses."

Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce and Somerset Council have been approached for comment.