In her recent letter (23/05/2025) to you, Marion Edwards raises valid concerns about the challenges facing Farnham's town centre, and many residents and retailers will recognise the frustration that comes with seeing empty shopfronts and lower footfall.

However, it is important to balance that perception with the reality on the ground.

Outside of the Brightwells development, Farnham is faring well compared with many other towns. While the retail environment has changed dramatically over the past decade, Farnham continues to attract interest from national brands and independents alike.

The issue is not always one of demand. Often, it is a question of matching the right business to the right space, in terms of size, location, and budget.

The recent letting of 41-42 The Borough, the 3,663 sq ft three-storey property previously occupied by White Stuff, to Magnet Kitchens, underlines the fact that high-profile brands will choose to locate within the town when the right opportunities present themselves.

At the time of writing, I can report that solicitors have been instructed on an agreed transaction on another shop property in the town centre, where a national retailer has agreed terms.

Hopefully, this new transaction will complete legal formalities soon and another well-known brand will join other recent arrivals, such as The White Company, Busby & Fox, Megans and Sofa Smith.

It is also worth remembering that Farnham remains home to Elphicks, a thriving independent department store. In the current retail climate, that is a real rarity. Elphicks offers variety, service, and consistency, and it continues to be a major draw for shoppers who value a more traditional and local retail experience.

There are practical barriers, too. Parking, in particular, has become a deterrent. Years ago, the town benefited from plentiful, free short-stay options, many in Castle Street, which helped boost footfall from people making quick trips into town.

Today, the lack of free, short-stay parking is regularly cited by shoppers as a factor reducing day-to-day visits. Studies show that towns like Cwmbran in South Wales, which offer extensive free parking, see clear benefits in footfall and trade.

We should also remember that Farnham doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It competes with neighbouring centres such as Guildford, Godalming, Alton, Basingstoke, and others, all of which have their own draw and investment programmes.

Even so, Farnham retains a strong sense of identity and community, with pockets of retail that are well-supported and busy.

We must not let vacant units cloud the fact that many businesses here are still doing well, and we should also recognise and support the good that is already happening, rather than viewing the high street solely through a lens of decline.

Yours faithfully,

Nick Reeve Partner, Curchod & Co