Petworth shopping arcade welcomes new tenants
Two existing businesses will also be moving into bigger premises.
Shoppers in Petworth may notice some new faces when they next visit the Old Bakery arcade.
New tenants are moving in, including Cherry’s Deli, owned by published food writer and author, Cherry Menlove, and The Colt Foundation, a charity which funds research at UK universities into occupational and environmental health.
Meanwhile two existing businesses are getting ready to move into bigger premises at the Chichester District Council-owned site.
Cherry Menlove has been running her business for 15 years online and has been looking forward to having a presence on the high street:
"During lockdown in March, I pivoted my deli overnight, supplying groceries and delivering to those who were isolating.
"People used the service and helped to spread the word.
"They were also very kind and understanding, queuing outside the door without complaint and offering help and support.
"The Old Bakery, also incorporating Golden Square, is like a mini town within the town.
"It has so much to offer in a small and very beautiful space."
The Petworth Bookshop is one of the existing business which is moving into larger premises within the arcade, while The British Martial Arts and Boxing Association are expanding and taking over an additional unit.
Both businesses are aiming to be up and running in their new premises by the end of the year, and ready to open their doors when coronavirus restrictions allow.
The Petworth Bookshop opened in 2007 and owner Steve Howe is said to be keen to move into bigger premises in response to an increase in customer numbers and to improve the in-store shopping experience:
"The move next door will enable us to run in-house events, signings and book groups — and will also give our customers, old and new, enhanced space to browse, sit and think.
"We offered a home delivery service during the first lockdown earlier this year, and this was well subscribed, but none of us expected to be so busy after we reopened.
"Now we are in lockdown again we have swung the collections and deliveries system back into place and once again are thrilled with how busy we are serving our loyal customers."
Councillor Tony Dignum, cabinet member for growth, place and regeneration at Chichester District Council, said it is "great news" for the site:
"Despite it having been such a difficult year, what’s happening here shows that there is great confidence in the town and what it has to offer, and that people are still willing to set up a business or invest in growing their existing business in Petworth.
"While our non-essential shops have had to shut their doors until 2 December in line with national coronavirus restrictions, Petworth and our other fantastic High Streets will be ready to welcome people back when these businesses are able to reopen their doors.
"In the meantime, many of our local businesses have adapted to the new restrictions and are offering takeaways or click and collect services through their websites.
"As we approach the festive season, we are encouraging everyone to do their bit this Christmas and support local businesses as much as they possibly can to help our businesses rebuild from the coronavirus pandemic.
"This is something we always encourage, but it’s now more important than ever.
"We are urging people to support our Countdown to Christmas campaign, which aims to encourage everyone to support local businesses, including by buying their gifts and festive food locally.
"If you’re buying gifts this month while the national restrictions are in place, please remember that many of our business offer click and collect and delivery services.
"Our fantastic High Streets in Chichester, Selsey, Petworth, Midhurst and East Wittering are looking forward to welcoming you back when the restrictions are lifted.
"You can find out more about the campaign and how you can show your support, including by downloading our special Christmas gift tags and using our campaign Facebook frame on your profile picture, by visiting our Countdown to Christmas web pages.
"As part of the campaign, local businesses can also request a marketing pack, which includes our special Christmas gift tags promoting their area, social media assets, and other tools they can use to promote their business as part of the campaign."