SUMMERFIELD HELPS BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO TOWN CENTRES IN TAUNTON, TIVERTON AND NEWQUAY
SUMMERFIELD COMMERCIAL is helping to revitalise town centres across the region by turning underused space above high street shops into much needed homes.
The face of the High Street is changing with the rise in operating costs and increased competition from online shopping causing some retailers to downsize or vacate space altogether, leaving upper floors above shops underutilised.
At the same time, with an increasing need for more housing putting pressure on green spaces, there has been a move to encourage the conversion of unused retail spaces into residential units.
Summerfield has a wide-ranging portfolio of commercial property across the South West and has responded quickly to the change of dynamics. By working closely with its tenants and offering flexible solutions, Summerfield has successfully converted redundant upper floor retail space, delivering high quality homes for rent.
In Taunton High Street, Summerfield let ground floor premises to an art gallery and converted the two floors above into three one-bedroom and one two-bedroom apartments, all of which are now fully let. Above White Stuff in North Street, where the retailer no longer required the whole building, Summerfield carried out a comprehensive refurbishment of the upper floors, providing two, two-bedroom apartments, whilst the retailer continues to trade from the ground floor.
Summerfield also owns a building in Fore Street, Tiverton which is let to Superdrug. The retailer no longer required the upper floors, which were historically arranged as flats, so Summerfield subsequently refurbished and let these on the open market.
First floor space in Bank Street, Newquay, above Holland & Barrett on the ground floor, has recently undergone a comprehensive refurbishment by Summerfield and is now let to Plymouth City Bus. The company, which operates the Go Cornwall Bus service across the county, uses the space as a rest area for drivers.
Will Grant, Portfolio Director for Summerfield, said: “Town centres have changed significantly in recent years. The rise of online shopping has led many retailers to reduce their physical footprint, leaving upper floors increasingly underutilised and, in many cases, vacant.
“We are working closely with our tenants across the portfolio to help them optimise their space, including the strategic recovery and repurposing of surplus upper floors for residential and alternative uses. In doing so, we are increasing the supply of town centre homes and, in turn, supporting the long term revitalisation of the high street.”
About Summerfield
Summerfield is a long-established, multi-award-winning business based in Taunton, Somerset, that has been developing property for over 200 years. The traditional family-owned building firm was founded in 1823 and has since become a trusted name in both residential and commercial development across the South West. From thoughtfully designed homes to high-quality workspaces, Summerfield creates characterful places with sympathetic styling and timeless craftsmanship.
Summerfield Homes, established in 2007, has built over 2,000 homes, with developments ranging from 10 to 300 properties. These developments combine sustainable construction with modern living, while offering some of the best locations across the South West. Every development is thoughtfully planned, and each home is tailored to complement its surroundings and bring communities together.
Summerfield Commercial has developed over 4 million sq. ft. of workspace throughout the South West, with well-known developments such as Blackbrook in Taunton and Westpark in Wellington. The company prides itself on providing the right space in the right place, whether that be a leasehold or freehold design-and-build option, or a flexible rental arrangement. Summerfield has a diverse portfolio of commercial properties, with over 160 tenants, ranging from local retail parades and modern offices to large industrial buildings and business parks.
With values aligned to supporting both the community and the environment, Summerfield has contributed over £6.1 million to charitable causes and local community projects, and has planted 1.1 million trees to help offset developments and enhance ecosystems in the South West.