On 11 February 2026, Telford & Wrekin Council said more shops are opening on local high streets and the number of empty units in the borough has fallen to a five‑year low. The council reported that under 3.5% of shop spaces in the borough are currently empty, well below the national high street vacancy rate of around 14%.
The council is using its ‘Pride in Our High Street’ programme to help small businesses move into vacant buildings across towns including Oakengates, Wellington, Madeley, Dawley, Ironbridge and Newport. The programme offers a range of grants — including start‑up grants of up to £10,000 to help new traders set up in empty units, plus trial start‑up, façade, eco and digital grants.
Specific businesses have already relocated into refurbished units as part of the council’s work. For example, the card and gift shop Celebrations has moved into a modernised unit in Oakengates as part of the Oakengates Theatre Quarter redevelopment. Separately, the council has been supporting market traders and high street businesses across Dawley, Ironbridge and Newport through the Pride programme.
As part of the Oakengates Theatre Quarter, dated 1960s retail units in Limes Walk and adjoining Market Street are being remodelled and replaced with modern commercial spaces and new first‑floor residential units. Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said the council’s work to keep high streets active is important for local communities and helps attract visitors to town centres.
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