Knowle is recorded by Springboard Data as having one of the lowest retail unit occupancy in the  West Midlands despite businesses showing interest in opening premises in Knowle. 

Some empty units have been vacant for a long time and their fabric and appearance have been  allowed by landlords to deteriorate.  The volume of empty units and the appearance of the units continues to severely impact the  experience of Knowle’s offering and continues to have an impact on the economic prosperity  and sustainability of the village. 

Residents and business owners we are deeply concerned at the impact on the appeal of the  commercial centre to the local community, businesses and visitors.

Visit Knowle is asking  the Council to intervene with relevant landlords in Knowle and encourage them  to align their plans with the local community aspiration for a sustainable commercial centre  matched to our demand for a quality and independent market offer in our village centre.