T A Fisher managing director John Fisher says lettings of two units in Reading illustrate recent changes in the retail market.
The developer has let the former Bathstore unit at The Point on the A4 at Shepherds Hill, east of the town, to new veterinary practice, Harrisons Health Clinic.
The surgery will sit alongside Pets Corner and Majestic. In addition, a nearby retail unit has seen let to specialist dermatology clinic, Derma Reading. The space was formerly occupied by Frankie & Benny’s.
Both units are slightly more than 3,000 sq ft in size.
Mr Fisher said: “It just shows the changing world we are in. Previously, a vet or a D1 user like a dermatology clinic wouldn’t feature in a high-profile out-of-town retail environment.
“Against the background of the pandemic, these deals amply demonstrate how a new breed of operator is helping to fill the gap left by defunct high street names.
“These operators, in particular, reflect the changing market place and consumer desire to navigate these difficult times with our health and well-being intact.”
He said it was similarly encouraging to have let two retail units in Basingstoke during the first two lockdowns to substantial occupiers; Cakebox, an expanding egg-free celebration cake company and Cashino, a gaming operator.
