More independent retailers set up shop in Wokingham town centre

WOKINGHAM town centre will soon become home to even more independent retailers.

Three local businesses have signed up to open units as part of the town centre regeneration project.

Peacock House Interiors and the Vale Clinic will soon be opening their doors in Elms Field, and new bistro Hamlet will welcome customers in Peach Place.

The owners of the new bistro have a background in fine dining and want to bring the best of British food and produce to local residents, while Peacock House Interiors is set to open a furniture and home goods store.

The Vale Clinic, which also has a branch in Earley, will offer a range of podiatry services. It has already opened its doors on the corner of Elms Walk and Denmark Street.

“These are three fantastic new businesses, who really fit with the vision we had for a town which offers people a great range of independents and national names,” said Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, executive member for regeneration.

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“Each one of them brings something new to the town while also reflecting how the high street has changed over the years to become the place people go to socialise, access services, as well as to shop.”

Despite lockdown restrictions, Cllr Haitham Taylor said Wokingham remains a great place to visit.

“Spaces like Elms Field and Peach Place are already a real asset for the town and set to become more so as they can come into their own with entertainment and events,” she added.

Other units in the town centre remain under offer, with more announcements set to come this spring.

“It’s been an incredibly difficult period for all the town centre’s businesses,” Cllr Haitham Taylor continued. “But despite this, Wokingham has continued to attract new businesses who feel that the town is on a great road to recovery.

“The support local residents have shown for the businesses who have kept going through this period is wonderful and we very much hope people will continue to support businesses and shop local as much as they can.”

Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, leader of Wokingham Town Council, has also welcomed the new retailers.

“There is a demand for new and independent shops in Wokingham, and it has to do with the fact that people are just not commuting anymore,” she said. “After lockdown, I think we’re going to have new ways of doing business and I think the smaller retailers that provide local services are the ones that will survive.

“I welcome anybody moving in and I feel like Wokingham is really bucking the trend.”