IT’S been through its fair share of ups and downs, but things are looking optimistic for Christchurch town centre.

Often criticised for the amount of charity shops, banks and hairdressers, a number of new independent shops have opened recently reviving the High Street and attracting new business.

Later this year Pizza Express is set to open its doors where Cricklewood once stood in Wick Lane, while the former Remo bar opposite, is also under ownership talks.

Plans to redevelop the former Royal Mail Sorting Office in Wick Lane will also begin to take shape this year.

Andrew Rance, director of Christchurch-based Libra Homes, the company responsible for the potential Post Office development in Wick Lane said they hoped to start work in the summer. Permission was granted for 10 cottages, four flats, three shops and office space last year.

Terry Atkinson, secretary of Christchurch Chamber of Trade and Commerce said: “The big picture isn’t too bad. We’ve lost a few places but gained some others. Things really aren’t looking too bad at the moment. It’s much better than it was this time last year. Part of it depends on how much confidence people have with all the news we hear about the future. But it is looking optimistic.”

Regarding a recent decision by officers at Christchurch council to recommend refusal for Kelly’s Kitchen to move into Jarvis Radio, Terry added: “People are living in the past. Nobody understands what a high street needs to do or look like nowadays.

“The Chamber wants a mix of different uses all over the High Street. Not just to make the Priory part of town a cafe quarter. When businesses want to invest in our town it seems ridiculous to turn around and say no, especially in the present climate.

“We have not got to the stage where we have got so many empty units, especially compared to other places. We are lucky in that respect.

“But people have got to understand they have to be thankful for small mercies.”