Shops & Retail Units to Rent in Cambridge

Explore the Latest Available Shops & Retail Units to Rent in Cambridge

Retail property to let in Cambridge, from high-street shops and boutique units to larger commercial spaces ideal for cafés, service businesses, and established retail brands.

Looking for Bars & Restaurants to Rent? All Commercial Spaces in Cambridge

22-28 Fitzroy St

Cambridge, CB1 1EW

Retail to Let
£67,500 pa
2,726 sq ft
1 Unit Available Now

Air Conditioning
Security System
Wheelchair Accessible
Smoke Detector

Cambridge Retail to Rent

The property comprises a retail building with extensive corner glazing to the upper floors. The property is constructed of steel frame with brick and block cavity walling underneath a slate covered pitched roof. The building is arranged over two floors. Cambridge is a historic university city and is the administrative centre for Cambridgeshire. The city has a primary catchment of over 500,000 with an estimated shopping population of over 287,000. Cambridge is ranked as a Regional Centre (PMA) and dominates an extensive catchment area encompassing a number of smaller towns such as Haverhill, Saffron Walden, Royston and Ely. The city is ranked 28th in terms of comparison good retail spend (Promis) an amount that is boosted each year by tourism with the city council estimating that 4.5 million tourists visit annually. The property is located close to the entrance of the Grafton Centre, on the pedestrianised Fitzroy Street, which is the main link from the Grafton Centre to the historic city centre. The Grafton Centre is in the midst of being redeveloped to create a new life science hub, including laboratories, a hotel, and a gym, while retaining some retail space. The new development creates a mixed-use space, with the majority of the centre being repurposed for a life science campus and a hotel creating space for over 2000 new jobs .Approximately 11,000 sqm of retail floor space will remain, with some shops, such as Boots and, continuing to operate at the Fitzroy Street entrance.

Contact:

Bidwell Webber De Pons Ltd

Date on Market:

23/04/2026

Hide

14a-14b Regent St

Cambridge, CB2 1DB

Retail to Let
£40,000 pa
1,934 sq ft
1 Unit Available Now

Energy Performance: B
Energy Performance: E
Air Conditioning
Security System
Suspended Ceilings

Cambridge Retail to Rent

The property is prominently positioned along Regent Street, one of Cambridge’s principal routes linking the railway station with the city centre. Situated directly opposite the western edge of Parker’s Piece, the unit benefits from consistent pedestrian and vehicular traffic, providing strong visibility. The historic city centre, Market Square, Grand Arcade and Cambridge railway station are all within easy walking distance. Drummer Street Bus Station is also approximately a 6-minute walk away, offering comprehensive public transport links including access to the wider park and ride network. The surrounding area is well established, with a mix of recognised occupiers and independent businesses. Nearby operators include Parker’s Tavern, Cambridge City Council offices, PizzaExpress and Sainsbury’s Local, contributing to a lively and wellbalanced trading environment.

Contact:

Carter Jonas LLP

Date on Market:

22/04/2026

Hide

38-62 Regent St

Cambridge, CB2 1DP

Retail to Let
£70,000 pa
2,404 sq ft
1 Unit Available Now

Air Conditioning
Security System
Private Toilets
Controlled Access
Reception

Cambridge Retail to Rent

The property occupies a prominent position on Regent Street, just off Regent Terrace and Parker’s Piece. Regent Street serves as a main arterial route into the city centre offering excellent levels of footfall and connectivity. Cambridge train station, the historic city centre, market square and the Grand Arcade Shopping Centre are all within walking distance. Additionally, Drummer Street Bus Station is a short walk, providing access to all park and ride routes. Nearby occupiers include The Regent Apart Hotel, Naked Kitchens, Parkers Tavern, Downing College’s Porter’s Lodge and entrance to the college grounds alongside a variety of independent cafés and retailers, contributing to a strong and diverse trading environment.

Contact:

Carter Jonas LLP

Property Type:

Office

Date on Market:

09/04/2026

Hide

2-4 Hawthorn Way

Cambridge, CB4 1AX

Retail to Let
£20,000 - £27,000 pa
720 - 2,199 sq ft
1 Unit Available Now

Energy Performance: C

Cambridge Retail to Rent

The property is located at the junction of Hawthorn Way and Chesterton Road, within walking distance of Cambridge City Centre (1.2 miles). The immediately surrounding area is predominantly residential in nature, with a number of student / serviced accommodation schemes close by. Chesterton Road provides a site to a number of retail parades popular with students, locals and tourists a like. Nearby occupiers include Stir Bakery and Café, Spar, Acorn Guest House and Satyam Yoga.

Contact:

Carter Jonas LLP

Date on Market:

04/03/2026

Hide

1 Hawthorn Way

Cambridge, CB4 1AT

Retail to Let
£25,000 pa
980 sq ft
1 Unit Available Now

Energy Performance: C
Security System

Cambridge Retail to Rent

Contact:

Carter Jonas LLP

Date on Market:

04/03/2026

Hide

17-20 Burleigh St

Cambridge, CB1 1DG

Retail to Let
£46,500 pa
1,536 sq ft
1 Unit Available Now

Energy Performance: A
Security System
Smoke Detector

Cambridge Retail to Rent

Burleigh Street is a prime route towards The Grafton and is a main thoroughfare adjoining Fitzroy Street and East Road. The area is known for the hustle and bustle of students with the Anglia Ruskin University and nearby Cambridge Art School, with associated accommodations. The street is anchored by national retailer Primark with a variety of charity shops including Mind, British Heart Foundation and Oxfam. There is also a health and beauty offering with uses including nail bars, hairdressers and barbers. Food and beverage occupiers within the immediate vicinity include Gail’s, Starbucks and Café Nero. The area is also due to widely benefit from the re-development of The Grafton Centre

Contact:

FMX Urban Property Advisers

Date on Market:

30/01/2026

Hide

35 Newnham Rd

Cambridge, CB3 9EY

Retail to Let
£30,000 pa
1,144 sq ft
1 Unit Available Now

Energy Performance: B
Private Toilets

Cambridge Retail to Rent

Unit 35, Newnham Road is prominently situated on the southern side of Newnham Road, a well -established and well -trafficked route providing direct access to the west of Cambridge city centre, approximately 0.5 miles away. The surrounding area is characterised by an attractive mix of period residential properties and a vibrant cluster of growing local businesses. Cambridge railway station is located approximately 1.5 miles to the north -east, while nearby bus stops at Causeway Side and Madingley Road are within a short two - minute walk, offering convenient connections to the city centre, Cambridge Science Park and surrounding areas. The property also benefits from close proximity to several University of Cambridge colleges, including Newnham College (approximately an 8 -minute walk), Selwyn College (11 minutes) and Robinson College (15 minutes), making the location well positioned for high footfall.

Contact:

Carter Jonas LLP

Date on Market:

26/01/2026

Hide

5 Round Church St

Cambridge, CB5 8AD

Retail to Let
£95,000 pa
2,874 sq ft
1 Unit Available Now

Energy Performance: B
Natural Light
Bicycle Storage

Cambridge Retail to Rent

The unit is situated adjacent to the world-famous Cambridge Union Society debating chamber in the historical heart of Cambridge. It adjoins The Orator restaurant and is opposite the 229 bed Stay City aparthotel currently under construction which will include 225 vehicle and 280 cycle spaces. Nearby restaurants include Byron, Gastronome and Cote with many more at the tourist and punting destination of Quayside close by. Trinity Street and the City’s principal retail thoroughfares are all close at hand as is the ADC Theatre and the River Cam.

Contact:

KLM Real Estate

Property Type:

Office

Date on Market:

07/03/2024

Hide

The Grafton

Cambridge, CB1 1PS

Retail to Let
£110,000 - £160,000 pa
1,277 - 9,973 sq ft
4 Units Available Now

Energy Performance: C
Energy Performance: D
Air Conditioning
Security System
Car Charging Station
Kitchen
Restaurant
Wheelchair Accessible

Cambridge Retail to Rent

The unit is situated to the rear of the mall adjacent to H&M and opposite the La Piazza mall café. This includes the development of a new restaurant quarter at first floor level adjoining Vue Cinema for occupiers such as Amelie, Chi, Burger Priest and Yakut and new stores for H&M and Decathlon. Existing anchor stores in the scheme include Next, H&M and Boots and the centre has 1,150 car parking spaces.

Contact:

FMX Urban Property Advisers

Date on Market:

19/02/2024

Hide

15 Fitzroy St

Cambridge, CB1 1ER

Retail to Let
2,590 sq ft
1 Unit Available Now

Security System

Cambridge Retail to Rent

The property at 15 Fitzroy Street, Cambridge CB1 1ER is a retail unit positioned within a well-established shopping thoroughfare west of the Grafton Centre in Cambridge. The location has substantial pedestrian activity due to proximity to major retail brands and amenities. Surrounding streets consist of additional retail premises and mixed commercial uses. Access to the property is via Fitzroy Street, which connects with key city routes and public spaces frequented by shoppers and visitors.

Contact:

FMX Urban Property Advisers

Date on Market:

06/05/2026

Hide

13 St Johns St

Cambridge, CB2 1TW

Retail to Let
724 sq ft
1 Unit Available Now

24 Hour Access

Cambridge Retail to Rent

The property comprises a ground floor retail sales area with broad dimensions. The ground floor benefits from a wide glazed frontage and open plan sales area. The basement accommodates storage as well as toilet facilities. Upper floors have historically been used as office and treatment rooms.

Contact:

Savills

Date on Market:

09/01/2026

Hide

121 Chesterton Rd

Cambridge, CB4 3AT

Retail to Let
13,246 sq ft
1 Unit Available Now

Security System
Kitchen

Cambridge Retail to Rent

The unit fronts onto Chesterton Road and has 27 dedicated car parking spaces located on the roof of the unit, easily accessible from the unit via a lift or stairs. The unit has first floor ancillary space, storage, staff room and kitchen facilities. The unit is a large open space spread over the ground floor.

Contact:

Carter Jonas LLP

Date on Market:

16/05/2019

Hide

48 Mill Rd

Cambridge, CB1 2AS

Retail to Let
£38,000 pa
1,740 sq ft
1 Unit Available Now

Security System

Cambridge Retail to Rent

The property is situated on Mill Road a popular cosmopolitan area home to a vibrant mix of local traders and speciality shops together with various restaurants and cafes. Surrounding retailers include Co-op, Sainbury’s Local and various established independent local retailers. The property is situated 0.6 miles from the train station and is within walking distance of Cambridge city centre and the Grafton Centre.

Contact:

Cheffins Commercial

Date on Market:

04/03/2026

Hide

2 Sussex St

Cambridge, CB1 1PA

Retail to Let
£31,000 pa
1,438 sq ft
1 Unit Available Now

Energy Performance: C

Cambridge Retail to Rent

Sussex Street is an attractive pedestrianised street in the heart of the historic City Centre leading from Sidney Street through to King Street. The property itself forms part of an established parade of specialist retail outlets with surrounding retailers including Bravissimo, Finisterre, Lucy and Yak, and Trotter and Deane.

Contact:

Cheffins Commercial

Date on Market:

19/02/2026

Hide

15 Burleigh St

Cambridge, CB1 1DG

Retail to Let
£38,000 pa
2,540 sq ft
1 Unit Available Now

Energy Performance: C
Air Conditioning
Security System

Cambridge Retail to Rent

The property comprises a building of brick construction arranged over two floors offering retail accommodation throughout. The property is located on the north side of Burleigh Street in the city centre of Cambridge close to the main entrance of the Grafton Centre.

Contact:

Cheffins Commercial

Date on Market:

15/01/2026

Hide

167 Green End Rd

Cambridge, CB4 1RW

Office / Retail to Let
£20.01 sq ft pa
2,496 sq ft

Cambridge Office / Retail to Rent

The property is located in the Chesterton area of Cambridge, approximately a mile north-east of the historic city centre on Green End Road. The Cambridge North train station is close by along with the Cambridge Science Park and the A14 junction at Milton. The area comprises a mix of residential and commercial properties with a number of local community services.

Contact:

Robinson Layer

Property Type:

Retail

Date on Market:

27/11/2025

Hide

More details for 1-3 Station Rd, Cambridge - Retail to Rent

Slingers - 1-3 Station Rd

Cambridge, CB1 2JB

Retail to Let
£65,000 pa
2,406 sq ft
1 Unit Available Now

Energy Performance: D
Security System

Cambridge Retail to Rent

Slingers is located in a prominent corner position at the corner of Hills Road and Station Road in central Cambridge.

Contact:

Everard Cole

Date on Market:

13/10/2025

Hide

More details for Bridge St, Cambridge - Office, Retail to Rent

Quayside - Bridge St

Cambridge, CB5 8AB

Office to Let
£65,000 pa
1,681 - 6,596 sq ft
2 Spaces Available Now

Energy Performance: C
Energy Performance: D
Air Conditioning
Bicycle Storage
Security System
Suspended Ceilings
Private Toilets
DDA Compliant
Kitchen

Cambridge Office, Retail to Rent

Cambridge is a historic University city with a population of approximately 145,000 (Census 2021) and catchment population of around 560,000. It is a highly affluent city recognised for its innovation and technology base, boasting 20 companies which have surpassed the $1billion landmark valuation as private and public enterprises (Centre for Cities 2021 report). Situated at the heart of the University City enjoying views over the River Cam and Magdalene College, Quayside is the perfect place to do Business. Quayside was constructed in the 1980s in traditional style with two main wings linked at upper floor level. A number of restaurants and cafe bars occupy the ground floor with three floors of office accommodation above. It's two spacious office entrances at ground floor provide access ti the office suites and basement car and cycle parking.

Contact:

Cheffins Commercial

Date on Market:

02/02/2024

Hide

2-4 King St

Cambridge, CB1 1LN

Retail to Let
5,316 sq ft
1 Unit Available Now

Cambridge Retail to Rent

This leasehold opportunity offers a prime position in Cambridge city centre on busy King Street, benefiting from strong footfall and excellent visibility. The business occupies part of the historic former George Scales Brewery, adding character and heritage appeal. With a ground floor restaurant and bar, an upstairs cocktail and wine bar with rooftop terrace, and a separate cheesemonger shop, the site provides multiple income streams and strong trading potential in one of the city’s most vibrant areas. D’Arry’s Restaurant & Bar enjoys a prime position on King Street, right in the heart of Cambridge’s historic city centre. Its location places it within easy walking distance of the city’s main shopping areas, colleges, and cultural attractions, making it a convenient and attractive destination for both locals and visitors. Situated at 2–4 King Street, the venue benefits from strong footfall and excellent visibility in one of Cambridge’s most vibrant quarters, enhancing its appeal as a distinctive food, wine, and hospitality offering.

Contact:

Christie & Co

Date on Market:

23/04/2026

Hide

View on Map

1-19 of 19

Learn More About Leasing Shops & Retail Units

What is a Rent Review in a Commercial Lease?

Navigating the Impact of Rent Reviews on Your Commercial Property Costs and Rights

Full Repairing and Insuring Leases

Clear, actionable insights on FRI leases, outlining tenant responsibilities, due diligence, negotiation strategies, and valuation impacts for informed investment decisions.

Commercial Property Business Rates Explained

Understand How Ratable Value and Consumer Price Index Help Determine Business Rates

What is Ground Rent?

Understanding the Basics, Implications, and Strategies for Managing Ground Rent

What is Peppercorn Rent?

Maximise Your Investment Potential with Low Ground Rent Leases

Freehold vs Leasehold Property

Maximise your returns by choosing the right property ownership structure

Leasehold Commercial Properties

Essential Knowledge for UK Property Investors

Freehold Commercial Property

Explore the Advantages, Responsibilities, and Key Considerations of Freehold Ownership

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting a Shop in Cambridge

See All Retail Spaces For Rent

How many Shops & Retail Units listings are available to rent in Cambridge?

There are currently 28 Shops & Retail Units available to let near Cambridge. These listings feature a variety of retail unit types, with an average size of 2,560 sq ft. The largest size available to rent is 13,246 sq ft. The thriving commercial centre and excellent transport links in Cambridge make it an ideal location for businesses to find a suitable Shop or Retail Unit to rent.

How much does it cost to rent a Shop or Retail Unit in Cambridge?

The average asking rent for Shop or Retail Unit in Cambridge is about £22 per sq ft. Factors such as location, footfall, building condition, nearby retailers, and lease terms all affect rent levels.

What is the largest Shops & Retail Units available to rent in Cambridge?

The largest Shop or Retail Unit available to rent is 13,246 sq ft and the smallest is 720 sq ft. The average size of Shop or Retail Unit available to rent in Cambridge is approximately 2,560 sq ft.

What use class do Cambridge shops to rent fall under?

Retail properties generally fall under Use Class E (formerly A1), which includes shops, showrooms, cafes, hairdressers, and some financial services. This offers flexibility for occupiers, but always confirm local planning rules with the local authority.

What types of retail units are available in Cambridge?

Retail spaces available range from high street shops, corner units, and parade shops to shopping centre units, kiosks, and destination retail in leisure or outlet parks. Units vary in size, frontage, and footfall exposure.

What should I consider before renting a retail unit?

Key considerations include location, target customer base, footfall, frontage, accessibility, loading/delivery access, planning use, lease flexibility, and nearby occupiers. It’s also essential to factor in service charges, business rates, and fit-out costs.

What is typically included in a retail lease?

A standard lease outlines rent, term length, service charges, repair obligations, permitted use, and break clauses. Most leases are full repairing and insuring (FRI), meaning the tenant is responsible for upkeep and insurance costs unless negotiated otherwise.

Do I need planning permission to change the use of a shop?

Possibly. Many retail properties now fall under Use Class E, which allows greater flexibility. However, if you're changing to a takeaway (sui generis), clinic, or residential, planning permission may be required. Always check with the local planning authority.

Are business rates included in shop rents?

No. Business rates are a separate cost, unless the lease is all-inclusive. Small businesses may qualify for Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR), which can significantly reduce or eliminate rates payable depending on the property's rateable value.

Can I sublet or assign my retail lease?

This depends on your lease terms. Some agreements allow subletting or lease assignment with the landlord’s consent. It’s important to confirm this upfront if flexibility is a priority for your business.

How do I find the right retail unit in Cambridge?

Start by browsing online commercial platforms like LoopNet. Define your budget, preferred location, unit size, and target market. It can also help to speak with a local commercial agent who understands Cambridge's retail landscape.

Find More Shops & Retail Units to Rent in and Near to Cambridge on LoopNet

Retail units to rent in Cambridge are well-positioned to serve the city’s affluent population, large student base, and significant tourist footfall. The historic centre around Sidney Street, Trinity Street, and Market Square offers high-footfall retail and food & beverage opportunities, while modern retail parks like The Grafton Centre and Beehive Centre cater to national chains. Independent traders thrive in areas like Mill Road and Chesterton, supported by a vibrant local economy and year-round visitor numbers.

LoopNet - the worlds No. 1 commercial property marketplace.

Nearby Towns & Cities

Areas In & Around

Similar Property Types

Resources

Other Property Types

Major Markets

Full Repairing and Insuring Lease
What is a Rent Review?
Commercial Property Business Rates
How Much Retail Space Do I Need?
10 Reasons to Hire a Commercial Property Agent
View more
View less