Acquisition of Marygate/Hide Hill Portfolio
Across the UK, High Street shops are closing as retailers rely on online trade. Berwick upon Tweed needs a strong town retail presence to support its tourism offer and local economy.
The most successful towns are those that have a high number of independent traders, and the more diverse the offerings, the greater their attraction! The diversity of our independents has already ignited the retail recovery in Bridge Street and West Street, making them a destination.
In November 2023, BCT purchased a portfolio of three town centre shops to provide affordable spaces for local businesses. Two units are on Marygate, one of which has a long-term tenant, the other is now home to ‘Artisans at Serendipity’, a collection of artists and creators who needed an affordable space to continue trading. They brighten up our high street and are thriving in their new space, selling an eclectic mix of affordable, locally crafted art and gifts.
The third retail unit is at the top of Hide Hill; this is a Pop- Up Shop offered by the Trust and it is available at an affordable rent for flexible short-term lets to support new or seasonal traders.
The Trust is proud to contribute to the development of our town’s retail and cultural regeneration and will continue to do so in other projects.