INDEPENDENT businesses have secured spots in Winchester centre, to delight of a city-based agency.

New hairdressing salon By Ross Garcia is set to move into Southgate Street, joining other retailers nearby, after the property was marketed by the Hampshire team of Goadsby Commercial.

Ross Garcia Perez said: “As soon as I viewed the property I immediately realised its potential and knew it wouldn’t be on the market for long. We were able to work quickly and without any problems, getting the agreement over the line before Christmas, thanks to the help of Michael and the team at Goadsby. I am looking forward to an enjoyable 2020 in my new premises.”

And Michael Lord who acted for the landlord added: “Knowing Ross’s requirement we acted accordingly and swiftly carried out a viewing at the premises.

“Although we only carried out the one viewing we continued to receive enquiries and had By Ross Garcia not taken the unit we are confident another tenant would have been found.”

Goadsby has also let a unit in Parchment Street to Sew Fit, which offers independent tailoring, designs and dry-cleaning services.

Mr Lord said: “We had a significant amount of interest in the premises, which proves that there is continued demand for retail units on Parchment Street, as well as in Winchester generally. Parchment Street continues to be popular due to the city centre location.

“We expect Sew Fit to thrive in Parchment Street which is full of local independent retailers who, in turn, support the growth of one another.”

An all-inclusive office suite has also been let within the city, in The Square, to an independent artist, illustrator, creative business director and publisher.

Anna Wright has signed a new four-year lease, saying: “There is a shortage of affordable spaces for small businesses in Winchester so I am very pleased to have found this space in central Winchester with good light.”