The St Helier retail vacancy rate is nearly half that of the UK's, according to new statistics published this week.

Seven businesses closed their doors in St Helier between April and June this year, but this was offset by eight openings.

Channel 103 has discovered that a boutique style outlet is set to occupy the ground floor space of the old Topshop on King Street.

It's for a year on a short-term rental, with plans set to be announced within the next few months to redevelop the site.

Managing Director of La Casa, Clive Broadhead, says he's been looking for a town centre shop for around two years and took the opportunity immediately, as it's an ideal location.

It is not connected to the store's trading from La Casa in St John.

Meanwhile, the old Burton store will be occupied by nearby jeweller Hettich.

Town Centre Manager Connor Burgher says the picture for the high street is looking more positive.

"I don't think it's the full picture either. The way it works is somewhere is classed as vacant if it's not occupied and not trading.

"I know there is a lot of work going on in lots of the stores that look on the outside to be empty.

"There is nothing worse, is there, than seeing an empty store and I'm delighted that it shows retailers have got confidence in the St Helier high street."

The St Helier vacancy rate is currently 7.66%, compared to 14.5% in the UK.

The UK's rate went up by 0.4% in quarter 2 of 2021, while Jersey's fell by 0.38%.

The quarterly reports are published every quarter on the retail section of the Jersey Business website.

Dorothy Perkins, Beghins, Jaeger, and Austin Reed are among stores to have closed in recent months, with those buildings still empty.

Planning applications have been submitted to convert the old Jaeger on Halkett Street into a gym, and the old Austin Reed into a bar and restaurant.

"Many of the properties listed as vacant are currently going through redevelopment, so I’m confident that figure will continue to fall in the coming months and years." - Connor Burgher.