AN INDEPENDENT JEWELLER in Yate is relocating to a larger premises. 

F Hinds, currently in South Walk, is moving to the former Starbucks unit on the corner of West Walk in the Central Square.

The retail area will be approximately twice the size of its current unit.

Andrew Lowrey, Yate Shopping Centre Manager, said: “It’s always great news when an existing tenant needs to expand its premises.

"There are currently just eight vacant units in the Centre out of the total of 105 units, well below the national retail vacancy rate of approximately 18 per cent.

“The last twelve months has been very successful with a 1.5% increase in footfall on the previous year.

"Furthermore, this comes on the back of an extremely successful Christmas period in which there was a 2.9 per cent year-on-year increase.

“Public feedback gave a very positive response to the community based Christmas festivities and as the hub of the community it is important for us to involve all the local schools and choirs.

"We will be building on this in 2024 and are always pleased to hear from any groups that would like to get involved.”

F Hinds was established in 1856 as an independent, family owned and run business and has been part of the Yate Community for 54 years.

In its new store, the jeweller will continue to provide its services such as jewellery and watch repairs and servicing, watch battery replacements, ‘gold for cash’, valuations and more.

Paul Hinds, Managing Director at F Hinds, said: “We are proud to have served the public in Yate for over 50 years and we look forward to welcoming the public to our new store, where they can expect the same warm welcome and service, but in a larger and modern shop.”

Yate Shopping Centre is asset managed by Ellandi and the property management is headed by Cushman & Wakefield.