High five as Kirkby Diamond completes shop deals

It’s been high fives all round at commercial property consultancy Kirkby Diamond after its agency team completed a series of new shop lettings in Hitchin.

Lettings to five retailers, including well-known artisan bakery chain Gail’s, have been sealed recently at increased rent levels as businesses continue to be attracted to the popular market town’s thriving shopping scene.

Gail’s, which has branches in and around London, Oxford, Brighton and beyond, has signed a 10-year lease on a 1,431 sq ft unit at Bancroft in the town’s prime retail area.

At a former O2 store in Market Square, mobile phone specialist Phone Clinic4U has taken a five-year lease on a 595 sq ft unit. At Arcade Walk, the Willow Foundation – a national charity that provides unforgettable experiences for young adults who are living with a life-threatening or life-limiting illness has signed a 10-year lease on an 800 sq ft unit which was recently vacated by Our Favourite Shop. Kirkby Diamond has donated part of its fee to the charity.

Meanwhile, a new hair and beauty salon has been established at The Arcade, where the tenant has agreed a six-year lease on a 700 sq ft unit. And at Bancroft, a homeware shop has been launched after Algar Management signed a temporary one-year lease on a 3,704 sq ft unit.

Hannah Niven, head of North Hertfordshire and Luton agency at Kirkby Diamond, said completing five deals in the space of a few weeks demonstrated the strength of the company’s agency team and its in-depth knowledge of Hitchin’s retail sector.

“It’s fantastic to see Hitchin’s retail scene continue to thrive. We have secured good quality occupiers for our private investor landlords at improved rents and lease terms. There is a lovely mix of independents alongside national retailers such as Oliver Bonas, Crew Clothing, Mint Velvet and other High Street names, offering shoppers an excellent range of options.

“Rents are being pushed up across all primary and secondary locations, while lease lengths are generally very good. The outlook for 2025 is also very promising, with several shops coming on to the market. As always, we will work alongside our landlord clients to ensure that we continue to protect the unique ambience of the town centre.”

For more information, please contact Hannah on 07425 244396 or email hannah.niven@kirkbydiamond.co.uk.