Brighton's Duke Street 'back with a vengeance', property manager says

Duke Street in Brighton faced tough times with several shops experiencing a dip in trade and several shutting their doors.

But with several empty units now set to welcome new tenants, a property manager said business is beginning to boom once again.

Richard Lowrey, managing director at Newlands Property, said: “Duke Street has had tough times but it has built back with a vengeance.

“Everyone on the street is offering something different. Rather than just a walk through there are now more businesses to keep people there for longer.

Duke Street in Brighton (Image: The Argus)

“It ticks the boxes of being very Brighton. On a nice summer day there are tables and chairs out there and people go and in and out of the shops.”

Shoppers in Duke Street had loved the niche and quirky businesses in the area and were sad that some had fallen victim to tough times.

Some restaurants and shops were forced to close. Clothing store DC will shut at the end of June because longstanding owner Gary Gordon has chosen to retire.

However, several businesses have operated in Duke Street for decades - some have been there for nearly 40 years.

Several units are empty but Mr Lowrey said multiple businesses are about to fill the gaps.

Among the tenants about to move in are a jewellery store and an art gallery.

Richard Lowrey (Image: Newlands Property)

It comes as part of a mass regeneration of the city centre which includes the revitalisation of Imperial Arcade and other empty sites in Brighton.

Mr Lowrey added: “The high street had a real hammering with Covid but things are picking up and businesses are opening.

“We want to support new businesses. Everyone likes Brighton’s niche and quirky stores but those businesses don’t have the presence of the likes of Amazon so they need people to come through and buy their products.”

Duke Street was pedestrianised in 1985 and has been home to dozens of independent businesses in the years since.