SHOPPERS and residents in Bournemouth have voiced concern at the growing number of empty shop units in the town centre, with some warning the area risks losing its appeal.
Images taken on June 17 show at least 10 units closed or boarded up along the High Street and surrounding areas.
While the reasons behind each closure vary, the absence of retailers has become a noticeable feature for those visiting the town.
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Bournemouth’s high street has undergone significant change in recent years, particularly since the Covid pandemic.
At its peak in 2020, around 18.2 per cent of retail units in the town centre were vacant, reflecting a wave of business closures affecting both national chains and independent shops.
Although that figure has since fallen slightly to about 15.5 per cent, the impact of closures remains visible, with a steady turnover of businesses replacing those that have shut.
Among those concerned is Bournemouth resident Anna, who said she has noticed the issue even during short visits into town.
She said: “A lot of businesses are shutting, but it’s OK, I think they’re reopening – something shut, something opened."
Anna added that rising costs were putting pressure on traders.
She said: “It’s very expensive to have a shop here.
“The rents are really expensive, the business rates are very expensive and the bills keep coming and there’s not enough customers.”
She also pointed to wider social issues affecting the town centre.
“It’s quite distressing,” she said. “It’s quite sad, but I keep a positive mind.
“Bournemouth is beautiful but I just hope somebody is going to do something.”
Visitors have also remarked on the changes.
Angela and Ian, who travelled from Bridport, said they were surprised at the number of empty units.
Angela said: “We’re running out of things to do.
“There’s eateries, there’s loads, but shops to go in – there’s no department stores.
“There’s really nothing here to be honest.”
Ian added: “You need shops and you need local shops to be able to go and buy stuff. Otherwise, how does the economy carry on?”
The pair suggested rising costs and changing shopping habits could be behind the trend.
Angela said: “People haven’t got money to spend with the cost of living, and perhaps they’re buying more online, which ruins a high street. You’ve got to make a high street competitive.”
Long-term resident Peter New said the changes have been noticeable over decades.
He said: “Over the last 20 years, a lot of shops have closed down.
“I don’t know if it’s landlords asking too much for rent or people shopping online – I think it’s a bit of both.
“It’s a real shame. When we moved here, the town was buzzy with lots of independent shops.
“Now it feels underwhelming.”
