ALTON town centre is beginning to buzz following the opening, during the last month, of an unprecedented number of new retail units, demonstrating what many feel to be “a huge vote of confidence” in Alton.

Numbering 10 new lettings it is, according to commercial property agent Glanfield Holmlund, “a quite astonishing level” – amounting to about five per cent of the entire stock of retail units, effectively in one major hit.

“For so many individual shops to be let at a single time is completely unprecedented and, in each case, lettings have been to independent retailers looking to build and establish their business,” said chartered surveyor Chris Glanfield.

Existing business owners are hoping the news will help to restore confidence in Alton’s retail offering and quash any concerns that the High Street is dying on its feet.

According to Mr Glanfield there are around 200 retail premises in Alton, but it is a dynamic market and, as in most towns, businesses come and go. While the economic downturn has seen closures over the past couple of years, Alton now appears to be fighting back.

Determined to reverse the trend, a growing number of businesses have joined forces and, led by Tanya Applegarth, of Wildly Upbeat Printers, in April launched Alton Matters, an initiative that aims to attract new businesses into the town and improve visitor footfall, using positive promotion and the creation of regular town centre events.

They are being supported in their quest by East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds, Alton Town Council, county and district councillors, Alton Chamber of Trade and Commerce, the Alton Society, and Alton’s neighbourhood plan steering committee.

And, as they welcome a growing number of new businesses on board, it seems Alton Matters is beginning to make its mark.

Mr Glanfield is upbeat, saying: “With so many new, independent retailers moving into the town at the same moment it will significantly boost the opportunity to support local shopping and the local community in general.”

And they are taking up premises in all quarters of the town, from Westbrook Walk, which is about to welcome a new chocolate shop following the relocation of Hat-Tricks to a larger premises next to Calliope, and John Trimmer, which has seen the arrival of a new mobile phone repair unit and Wildly Upbeat Printers, to Market Street where Bows and Bouquets florists is now open, as is the Timeless tattoo parlour, and Katie Mae’s fashion shop will soon follow suit.

In Normandy Street, lettings have included a specialist hairdressers, a furniture store, and the kebab shop has taken the corner unit formerly occupied by Brocks butchers.

Mr Glanfield said: “It is worth noting that virtually every single one of the new lettings and the majority of landlords are independent, smaller businesses. The strong message is to come and shop in Alton, to enjoy the quality of service locally and help continue to strengthen the town centre.”

Mr Hinds says he is “passionate” about Alton and “all that it has to offer as a fabulous place to live and as a great base for business”.

“We also have a unique feel in the town, with its friendly atmosphere, human scale, and mix of big brands and independent stores,” he said.

He continued: “Times are more challenging for all towns in this age of internet shopping, and we all need to work together on keeping our town centres vibrant. Alton has lost some shops but there have also been new entrants. We all share the goal, I know, of seeing the vacant units filled and trading again.

“It was good to hear from Post Office Limited – who I have been in contact with about the old post office – confirming they are to do some works to it to make it more marketable as one retail unit and one smaller kiosk. I welcome all the new businesses that have come to town and we should reach out to other potential arrivals, given all that Alton has to offer.

“It is great that the district council and town council all have a real focus on town centre vibrancy. I have met with many business owners, councillors and other local bodies at my recent Listening to Business events and I have been struck again by the extraordinary level of commitment and engagement within Alton’s business community. The insightful discussions have been full of ideas and thoughtful observations and I sense there is a real collective will to work together to make Alton’s future business prospects even brighter.”

Mike Heelis, of the Alton Neighbourhood Plan steering group, said: “One of the neighbourhood plan economy objectives is to protect and enhance the role of Alton town centre as a retail, tourism and hospitality hub which is vibrant and adaptable to future needs.”

Alton Society chairman Bob Booker said: “I am delighted with the news but not surprised as Alton is a great town and we welcome new businesses who will add vitality to our town centre.”

Mr Booker urged residents to make the new folk feel welcome, adding: “Go and have a look and tell them you are pleased to see them!”

Alton Town Council leader Peter Hicks was equally optimistic. He said:”It is fantastic news that Alton is able to extend its retail offering with the arrival of a number of new shops who are most welcome additions to the town. It has been of significant concern to the council to see the number of vacant units over the past few months and these new businesses are hopefully the start of a real resurgence on our High Street.”

County councillor Andrew Joy added: “The rapid and welcome increase in shop lettings in Alton town centre is, hopefully, evidence of an upward trend in Alton’s marketability. It must be a good indicator of Alton’s prospects with new housing developments in the pipeline, plus a new sports centre on the horizon.

“The pulse of Alton’s heart has not been this strong for some time.”