9 new businesses open in Dorchester as the high street fights back
The majority are in the newly refurbished Antelope Walk.
Lockdown's been tough for local businesses but its not all doom and gloom on the high street in Dorchester.
9 new businesses have opened in the 7 months since lockdown began in March.
According to Dorchester BID, it's a sign there is hope for local shops during the pandemic.
Dorchester BID chairman, Neil Strudwick, said:
"The town has been hit hard, every place has been hit hard in Dorchester. I can see green shoots coming.
"I can see things happening. Yes, we're still under lockdown restrictions and bits and pieces, but I'm sure there's enough in the town for the town to carry on an push forward.
"Antelope walk have really pushed their sales pitch through social media and we've seen more businesses being attracted to that because they're business start ups."
Almost half of the new shops have made Antelope Walk their home.
Among them is Passiflora Wellbeing, which offers self care products and classes in their studio.
It's their second location since opening in Devon 18 months ago.
Emily Pulletz, Co-founder of Passiflora Wellbeing, comments:
“In the fast paced world we now live in, we are truly grateful to have the opportunity to offer a space for people to slow down, reconnect to themselves and nature.”
A spokesperson from Antelope Walk said:
"Antelope Walk has undergone a transformation during lockdown with repairs and maintenance on the historic buildings completed, and exterior redecoration of each individual unit with beautiful muted Farrow & Ball tones.
"The Walk offers a quaint and charming shopping location with independent boutiques and food offerings, surrounded by the rich history of Dorset’s county town."