Shopping revival in store as 17 units 'under offer'

By mcollison

A shopping revival could be coming to Dorking with plans for nearly 20 new stores to open.

Mole Valley District Council has confirmed 17 outlets in the town are "under offer" or have been let.

Among stores said to have attracted interest include the former Woolworths site in the High St, which has stood empty since closing more than a year ago.

Legal negotiations have meant names and locations of the new shops could not be released, but the news has been welcomed by traders and shopkeepers.

"It is fantastic news and just what Dorking needs," said Pam Lintott who is moving her West Street shop The Quilt Room into a new premises vacated by Bookends book shop in High Street.

Rid Pirani, of R&P deli bar, High Street, said new shops will bring healthy competition for the town's traders.

He said: "I think for me it is good. I like competition and there is no point trying to run away from that. I would be happy to have more coffee shops and restaurants as well."

And Stephen White, of Ye Olde Chocolate and Fudge Shop, High Street, said: "It will be really good news. We will have passing trade, so the more people going up and down the street and the more shops to attract them is going to be better for everyone."

He added: "It would be really good if some of those 17 were at the end of the High Street, where it is more of a desert."

Sonja Sefke, of Shrewd, in High Street, said: "It will be fantastic. That is just what we need. The more the merrier. Let's get Dorking started."

Rick Parish, president of Dorking and District Chamber of Commerce, said: "It is great news that there is a raft of new shops coming. It is quite exciting, but unfortunately we don't know who it will be."

But Mr Parish warned poor January sales meant he expected some stores could still close.