Central Hereford has the lowest rate of empty shops in ten years – in contrast to a national picture of high streets in decline.

There are currently 45 vacant properties in the city compared with 65 ten years ago, according to Mike Truelove, chief executive of the Hereford Business Improvement District (BID) which represents the city’s retail and hospitality businesses.

“If a national retailer closes, people notice and aren’t happy,” he said. “But almost definitely you will get an independent (business) coming forward.”

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With the ongoing cost of living crisis, “that’s not to say it’s easy”, he added. “But the sector is thriving.”

Independent bakery Sugar Shack will shortly join Matalan in opening at the Old Market, while Dylan’s Den Crystal Shop opened earlier this year in Commercial Street, alongside several new eating and drinking venues in the city centre.

Hereford BID chief executive Mike TrueloveHereford BID chief executive Mike Truelove (Image: LDRS) But with an overarching masterplan to guide how the city will evolve in coming decades still in development, Mr Truelove is keen that access to shops should not to be curtailed.

“A lot of businesses evolved because there is on-street car parking,” he said – but added he would also welcome “multi-storey car parks in key locations”.

“We are pushing (Herefordshire Council) for a strategic plan for the city centre,” he said.

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“The experience of people coming into the city isn’t being looked at. We have lost sight of why they come into Hereford. It’s an attractive place that offers what other places can’t, and that needs investing in.”

The masterplan, launched shortly before the change in council administration in spring last year,  proposed turning some car parks into sites for housing or green space, along with measures to cut city-centre traffic through more one-way and pedestrianised streets.

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For Herefordshire Council, cabinet member for economy and growth Councillor Graham Biggs said the draft city masterplan “is currently undergoing a comprehensive review to take account of changing priorities for the development of the city”.

“This work includes a review of the council’s car parking strategy to ensure there is sufficient parking for visitors and businesses in the right locations,” he said.

“We will be consulting on the reviewed plans to create a new vision for the city in due course.”