WORKS to prepare the final retail unit at a new leisure complex in Yate are underway.

The Yate Riverside complex, which has been open for just over six months, has now handed over units to retail giant TK Maxx ahead of their scheduled opening in either late September or early October.

The works include the amalgamation of the final ground floor retail and restaurant units, as well as a first floor space to make a single 20,000 sq ft unit.

Meanwhile, vacancy rates at Yate Shopping Centre have fallen to a near all-time low following a rush of enquiries for vacant units, with North Walk, the centre management’s main point of concentration in recent months, now experiencing interest from a variety of retailers.

Andy Lowrey, centre manager, said: “The vacancy rates in North Walk have always been higher than the remainder of the centre but there are now several operators showing interest in taking units there.

“It is a key access into the heart of the centre from the North Parade which has itself undergone substantial changes over the last couple of years with Bottelinos and Hotcha opening. With new retailers showing interest in North Walk there will now be only five vacancies in the entire centre as we head into the latter part of the year, well below the 12.5 per cent national average.

“This proves Yate's popularity as a shopping and leisure destination offering a wide spectrum of family attractions, extended dining, and a wide variety of shops offering a diverse selection of goods and services.

“It is an interesting time for the centre and its traders with Brexit and the current uncertainty. I believe we are well positioned to meet the challenges of the next few years and will come out stronger and more resilient in the long term.”