HAMPSHIRE'S high streets are struggling to cope with the rise in internet shopping, which has produced a sharp increase in the number of empty units.

Sadly the number of vacant premises is likely to rise as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the retail sector, much of which was forced to close for more than 100 days.

But each empty building also represents an opportunity for someone new to move in and plug a gap in the market.

Using information provided by Rightmove, we have compiled a list of all the shops in Southampton city centre that are for rent.

Daily Echo:

Westquay SU70, Portland Terrace (7,750 sq ft)

The property is provided to a shell finish ready for tenants fit out.The unit has loading internally with public access direct off Portland Terrace.

Currently A1 (Retail) use. Consideration will be given to alternative uses within other use classes such as A3, A4, D2 (Leisure) and D1. Subject to planning and approval.

Rent: £6,667pcm.

Daily Echo:

183 High Street (4,112-6,000 sq ft)

The property comprises a ground floor retail unit, offering a large open plan retail floor plate with separate WCs to the rear.

The adjacent unit has recently been let to independent coffee chain Coffee Lab. The upper parts of the building are being converted for new modern co-working office space.

Externally there is a shared loading bay to the rear.

The property benefits from A1 and A3 consent. There is potential for outside seating subject to obtaining the necessary consents from Southampton City Council.

Rent: £10,417pcm.

Daily Echo:

37-39 Oxford Street (2,559-5,953 sq ft)

The property is situated on the pedestrianised section of Oxford Street, within close proximity of the High Street. Nearby occupiers include Docks Coffee, Pizza Express, The Oxford Brassier and Simons Bar Kitchen.

The property comprises a substantial three-storey terraced building. Internally, the building is configured as a restaurant with staff accommodation. The ground floor provides dining space (66 covers), a bar area, kitchen and WC facilities. There is further dining space (100 covers) and a bar area on the first floor. The second floor is used for storage and staff accommodation.

Rent: £60,000 per annum.

Daily Echo:

Phase 3, Bow Square, Bernard Street (5,918 sq ft)

There has been significant residential development in this part of Southampton recently including Austen House (358 student beds) and Capital House (423 student beds). In addition, there is on-going development at East Street and proposed developments at Bargate and Lime Street.

The available accommodation comprises ground floor commercial space forming part of the BOW Square scheme which provides 281 PRS units. The commercial accommodation has extensive frontage to Bernard Street and is in shell condition.

Planning consent is for uses within Class A1 (retail), Class A2 (financial services), Class A3 (restaurant), Class B1(a) (offices) or Class D1 (health, surgery/clinic) and Class D2 (leisure). The space is capable of sub-division.

Rent: £7,398pcm.

Daily Echo:

63 London Road (2,453 sq ft)

London Road is within close proximity of M3 and M27 via A33 (The Avenue) and A335 (Thomas Lewis Way) respectively.

The property is located in a prominent position on London Road and within the business district comprising solicitors, surveyors, mortgage brokers and banking services. Nearby retailers include Starbucks, Betfred, Tesco Express and Subway.

The unit consists of extensive sales and basement accommodation with WC and kitchen facilities. There is parking at the rear.

Accommodation comprises net sales area 1,664 sq ft, basement 789 sq ft. Total Net Internal Area 2,453 sq ft (227.87 sq m).

Rent: £2,917pcm.

Daily Echo:

114 High Street (2,333 sq ft)

The property is located towards the southern end of Southampton High Street, close to the junction with Briton Street. The Red Jet terminal on Town Quay is approximately six minutes' walk to the south, and Westquay shopping centre approximately nine minutes' walk to the north. The area is also well served by public transport. The premises are also on the route of the Quay Connect service, linking Town Quay with Southampton Central Station.

Constructed is 2005 as part of The French Quarter development, 114 High Street is one of a terrace of three office/retail units which form part of the ground floor of Kimber House. Internally, the space is open plan, with carpeted flooring and suspended ceilings incorporating recessed lighting units. There are 2 x WCs on the ground floor, one of which is accessible. The space is to be refurbished once the current tenant vacates.

Rent: £3,333pcm.

Daily Echo:

104 East Street (2,027 sq ft)

The premises are located in East Street, a popular secondary retailing street in Southampton City Centre, just a few yards from Debenhams, Jessops, Sony Centre, Holland & Barrett and Stead & Simpson.

Occupying a prominent corner position, the premises offer sales space on ground floor and first floor plus ancillary first floor and basement storage.

Rent: £2,083pcm.

Daily Echo:

Unit B, 15-18 Canute Road (1,942 sq ft)

Southampton is one of central southern England's largest commercial centres, located approximately 75 miles south west of London. Significant local employers include The University of Southampton, Southampton Airport, Carnival UK, ABP and Ordnance Survey.

The subject development is located at the junction of Canute Road and Royal Crescent, opposite Ocean Village Marina. The development comprises a mixed use commercial and residential building with new commercial spaces at ground floor level.

Rent: £2,500pcm.

Daily Echo:

33 London Road (1,672 sq ft)

This ground floor retail premises are located in a prominent position in London Road, close to a mixture of occupiers such as Tesco Express, Starbucks, Subway, Roosters Piri Piri and a variety of estate and lettings agents.

A modern retail unit offering quality accommodation suited to A1 (Retail) and A2 (Financial and Professional Services) or A3/A5 subject to consent.

The property benefits from WC, kitchen, rear access and one parking space.

Rent: £2,500pcm.

Daily Echo:

67 Above Bar (1,432 sq ft)

The property comprises a ground floor retail unit with ancillary basement sales & storage area within a five storey building and benefits from extensive double retail frontage. We understand the unit has consent for uses within Class A1 & A3 (Shop & Restaurants and Cafes).

Rent: £6,250pcm.

Daily Echo:

Unit 12 Hanover Buildings (1,230 sq ft)

The premises are located in a prominent position at the junction of the Strand, Hanover Buildings and Queensway, opposite Houndwell Park, and just a short walk from Above Bar Street, the main pedestrianised retail district of Southampton.

Above Bar Street leads north towards West Quay Shopping Centre and to the South leads to Below Bar and High Street which continue to Town Quay. The property sits close to other retailers and restaurants including Bella Italia, British Heart Foundation and Laura Ashley.

Price: £2,292pcm.

Daily Echo:

31 London Road (1,184 sq ft)

This ground floor retail premises is located in a prominent position on London Road, close to a mixture of occupiers such as Tesco Express, Starbucks, Subway, Roosters Piri Piri and a variety of estate agents. A modern retail unit offering quality accommodation suited to either D2 (Leisure & Assembly) or A1/A3/A5 uses subject to consents.

Price: £1,875pcm.

Daily Echo:

Park View, 14 New Road (1,180 sq ft)

New Road is situated in the centre of Southampton and forms the arterial route into the city centre from the east.

The property is located within close proximity of Southampton Solent University, home to a population of approximately 12,800 staff and students and within walking distance of Westquay Shopping Centre and Southampton Central Railway Station.

The property currently comprises ground floor sales area with two offices, storage, kitchen and two WCs. There is potential to open up the space.

There is allocated parking for two vehicles with a further space available subject to agreement.

Price: £1,542pcm.

Daily Echo:

Unit 2, Roebuck House (1,410 sq ft)

The unit is located in Lower Banister Street within close proximity of Bedford Place and London Road, both of which are popular retail locations.

forming part of an evening circuit, popular with the surrounding student population, the area is also one of the most recognisable business districts in the city.

With long established bar and restaurant occupiers such as 90 Degrees, Pop World and 4Q, the area also comprises professional occupiers such as solicitors, accountants and financial institutions.

Rent: £1,750pcm.