A NUMBER of new arrivals will soon be announced at Farnham’s Brightwells Yard development, the Herald understands.

Developer Crest Nicholson’s promise of a raft of new retailers last autumn is still yet to materialise – with M&S Food, Reel Cinema and Seasalt remaining the only officially-announced occupants of Brightwells’ commercial units to-date.

But after Crest told the Herald its leasing campaign was “progressing exceptionally well” in the March 3 edition, the Herald’s Bricks and Mortar reporter David Howell has “rummaged around” and can report the following companies are in the mix:

  • Ones we have known about for some time: M&S, Reel and Seasalt.
  • Ones that have planning applications submitted for approval: Charters estate agents (currently in Downing Street), Joules (currently in Lion & Lamb Yard), Sit & Sip (tasting bar), Bright Young Things (tuition centre) and Nail Salon.
  • Others we think are ‘in the frame’: Heaven’s Kitchen (currently based in East Street) and Whistles (currently in Lion & Lamb Yard).
  • Other rumoured dining possibilities: The Ivy and Coppa Club.

Noticeably, many of these businesses are being poached from the town’s existing retail centres – no doubt tempted by a reported two-year rent-free period offered by Crest.

Mr Howell said: “We await confirmation, hopefully in the next three months... okay,  six months.

“Crest have proved themselves not to be the fastest movers!”