Empty shops in Romford town center counted – what's next?

Our reporter counted at least five vacant units on Friday (January 19), prompting us to ask Havering Council what's next for retail there.

The Market Place, South Street and High Street, home to many of Romford's shops, were relatively quiet despite being a market day.

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There were at least three empty units on the High Street, including the former Betfred next to Rumford Pie and Mash.

Former Betfred on the High Street (Image: George Hayes)

Right of Romford Shopping Hall on 45 Market there was another empty unit.

Vacant block next to Romford Shopping Hall (Image: George Hayes)

There was construction going on inside, and passers-by took the opportunity to look inside for clues.

But it could soon be filled after an application for signage, made in December 2023, was approved by Havering Council last week.

Another empty shop on the High Street with work in progress (Image: George Hayes)

Towards Romford station South Street saw more retail in high street shops and nearby shopping centres.

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But next to the Sam Pound Stores retailer stood another boarded-up block with no obvious signs of building work.

A boarded-up block on South Street (Image: George Hayes)

Returning to the High Street, at number 49, we noticed a building with a return notice.

The post revealed that Havering Council had taken the building back under a lease that expired on October 29, 2021.

This was done by the council and the private tenant, but council agents were allowed to re-enter the premises, the document, dated October 23, 2023, shows.

The council returned this property to the previous tenant (Image: George Hayes)

We spoke to Romford Business Improvement District, an organization which says on its website it is committed to making the town center a key UK visitor destination, to find out what could replace the blocks. But a spokesperson said they did not wish to comment at this time.

Havering Council also said it could not say what could be done to fill those empty spaces, but cited the costs borne by business owners as a factor that heavily affects high streets.

“It's always sad to see empty premises on our high streets, but unfortunately the council has little control over the decisions and concerns of private businesses,” the spokesman added.

The council urged Romford residents to support their streets by shopping at businesses in the town.

“We continue to look for ways to help local businesses where possible and we encourage the people of Havering to shop local and support their high streets where they can,” it added.