Shock new figures claim vacancy rates at shop units across this year have increased to 10.3 percent, a four-year high. Nottingham officials say the city is faring well, but how much does it cost to rent a vacant unit? Business Editor Matthew Bunn reports.
Challenges on the high street have hit many cities hard as businesses and retailers close, leaving empty shops behind.
Nottingham, like other major centres, has not been immune to this and there are empty units visible in some of the city centre's main shopping areas.
Nottingham City Council said the redevelopment of intu Broadmarsh has led vacancies inside the centre, but more retail units are occupied than a year ago.
Portfolio holder for the city centre, Councillor Sam Webster, said: "We are promoting further uptake in Nottingham’s independent retail sector, which is thriving.
"Where there are empty units we are tidying up their appearance with shopfront graphics across the city which tell the story of the current regeneration project at Nottingham Southside."
So what would it cost to take on one of the empty units in the city? We have taken a look:
13 St Peter's Gate
Located just around the corner from Bridlesmith Gate, 13 St Peter's Gate is listed as a restaurant to let.
The double-fronted building, put on the market by Box Property, measures 5,102 sq ft and is currently being offered at £5,500 per calendar month.
The property has planning consent to be a restaurant or cafe and has an alcohol license for between 10am-12midnight on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday and until 1am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
2-4 Lister Gate
This is smaller unit but is in a high-footfall area on the corner of Lister Gate, opposite M&S and close to other retailers such as New Look, River Islands and EE.
The 635 sq ft unit is now under offer but it was put on the market by FHP at a rent of £60,000 per annum.
It is on a junction which links Lister Gate, Albert Street, Low Pavement and Castle Gate.
Heathcote buildings, 4-6 Heathcoat Street
Not a retail unit but have you ever fancied opening an office in the fashionable area of Hockley? Well there are offices to let in the Heathcote Buildings, Heathcoat Street.
The offices range from 860 to 2,473 sq ft and are being marketed by Lambert Smith Hampton at a cost of £15 per sq ft.
They are situated on the corner unit over three levels and are carpeted and decorated throughout, with kitchen and WC facilities and a tram stop not too far away.
46/48 Clumber Street
Will it become a Metro Bank or will it not?
46-48 Clumber Street is one of Nottingham's prime retail units on the corner of what was once branded Europe's busiest shopping street. It also benefits from the intu Victoria Centre being just over the road.
Metro Bank had announced plans to move in but progress has stalled recently, although the bank still maintains its desire to open in Nottingham.
It remains "under offer" by GCW retail property consultants for a rent of £350,000 per annum.
What about the future for Nottingham's high street?
Discussing future plans, Councillor Webster said: "We are responding to the changing face of retail with a city centre strategy which will help to bring even more people into the city to live, work and play.
"New offices and homes, combined with a new Nottingham Castle experience, Central Library, Nottingham College City Hub and other investments – including successfully bidding for the Government’s Future High Street funding - will give more people more reasons to choose to come to Nottingham and create thousands of new jobs.
"In terms of regeneration, it’s an exciting time for our city and we’re seeing high demand from businesses and investors who want to be part of what’s happening here."
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