Retail in Colchester available to rent
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Shops & Retail Units to Rent in Colchester

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

Retail property to let in Colchester, 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 Colchester
More details for 2 St Johns Wynd, Colchester - Retail to Rent

2 St Johns Wynd

Colchester, CO1 1WQ

  • Retail to Let
  • £7,500 pa
  • 673 sq ft
  • 1 Unit Available Now
  • Energy Performance: C
  • Air Conditioning

Colchester Retail to Rent

The property comprises a terraced building of brick construction under a pitch tiled roof offering retail accommodation over ground and first floors. The property is located fronting St John’s Wynd, a stepped pedestrian thoroughfare linking St John’s Street with Sir Isaacs Walk through to the Culver Centre. The A133 and A1124 trunk roads are a few minutes drive away, both of which provide direct access to the A12 dual carriageway.

Contact:

Whybrow & Dodds Ltd

Date on Market:

05/11/2025
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More details for 37-39A Head St, Colchester - Retail to Rent

37-39A Head St

Colchester, CO1 1NH

  • Retail to Let
  • £14,500 pa
  • 458 sq ft
  • 1 Unit Available Now

Colchester Retail to Rent

The property is situated on the western edge of Colchester's City Centre, prominently positioned on Head Street - a busy and popular location within the City Centre. In addition to a wide range of financial, retail and food/drinking establishments, nearby occupiers include H&M, Costa Coffee and Odeon Cinema. Colchester was recently awarded City status during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, and is the major economic centre in North Essex. Head Street benefits from excellent communication links via the A12 / A120 and is bounded by Ipswich (approx. 18 miles north east), Braintree (approx. 16.5 miles west), and Chelmsford (approx. 24 miles south east).

Contact:

Fenn Wright

Date on Market:

03/11/2025
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More details for 8 Trinity St, Colchester - Retail to Rent

Tymperleys - 8 Trinity St

Colchester, CO1 1JN

  • Retail to Let
  • £28,500 pa
  • 1,030 sq ft
  • 1 Unit Available Now
  • 24 Hour Access
  • Restaurant

Colchester Retail to Rent

Colchester is the major economic centre in North Essex with a resident population now exceeding 185,000. The City benefits from excellent communication links by the A12 to the M25 (J. 28). Stansted Airport is situated approximately 35 miles to the west and is within a 50-minute drive. Mainline railway station with regular trains to London Liverpool Street and Stratford. The property is situated centrally between the High Street and St Johns Walk within walking distance toLion Walk Shopping Centre. Nearby stores include Fat Face, Lush, Costa Coffee and Cornish Bakehouse.

Contact:

Whybrow & Dodds Ltd

Date on Market:

22/09/2025
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More details for St Johns St, Colchester - Retail to Rent

St Johns Walk - St Johns St

Colchester, CO2 7AL

  • Retail to Let
  • £39,500 pa
  • 6,155 - 40,896 sq ft
  • 2 Units Available Now
  • Energy Performance: C
  • Air Conditioning
  • Display Window

Colchester Retail to Rent

Colchester is Britain's oldest recorded town and is currently the 4th fastest growing location in the UK. The population is relatively affluent with a combined prime and secondary catchment of 246,000 people. The subject property is located in a busy City Centre location forming part of an established shopping centre and below a 720 space car park. Directly outside are numerous bus stops and steps leading to the Culver and Lion Walk shopping centres.

Contact:

Whybrow & Dodds Ltd

Date on Market:

06/02/2025
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More details for 43 St Johns St, Colchester - Retail to Rent

43 St Johns St

Colchester, CO2 7AD

  • Retail to Let
  • £14,000 pa
  • 480 sq ft
  • 1 Unit Available Now
  • Energy Performance: C
  • Security System

Colchester Retail to Rent

The property comprises a two storey building of masonry construction with retail accommodation within. The property is situated in St Johns Street, a busy secondary trading location opposite St Johns Walk Shopping Centre which houses various multiples including Iceland and Poundstretcher plus a 650 space multi storey car park. St Johns Wynd, immediately adjacent to the property provides pedestrian access to Sir Isaacs Walk and the Culver Square Shopping Centre.

Contact:

Whybrow

Date on Market:

02/06/2025
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More details for Hythe Quay, Colchester - Retail to Rent

King Edward Quay - Hythe Quay

Colchester, CO2 8JB

  • Retail to Let
  • £42,000 pa
  • 2,800 sq ft
  • 1 Unit Available Now
  • Energy Performance: B

Colchester Retail to Rent

King Edward Quay is situated in the Hythe area of Colchester, Essex. This location lies approximately three miles east of Colchester's City Centre, along the south-eastern banks of the River Colne. The area is characterised by a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial properties, contributing to its vibrant riverside atmosphere.

Contact:

Whybrow

Date on Market:

21/05/2025
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More details for 40 North Hl, Colchester - Office / Retail to Rent

40 North Hl

Colchester, CO1 1PY

  • Office / Retail to Let
  • £13.36 sq ft pa
  • 1,272 sq ft
  • 1 Space Available Now
  • 24 Hour Access

Colchester Office / Retail to Rent

The premises are prominently situated fronting North Hill, a busy road with high footfall in Colchester city centre close to all major facilities and amenities including car parking, shopping, restaurants and public transport. Colchester's mainline railway station is within walking distance, offering regular direct services to London Liverpool Street (approx. 55 mins).

Contact:

Fenn Wright

Property Type:

Retail

Date on Market:

26/07/2025
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More details for 137a High St, Colchester - Retail to Rent

137a High St

Colchester, CO1 1SP

  • Retail to Let
  • £8,500 pa
  • 116 sq ft
  • 1 Unit Available Now
  • Energy Performance: B

Colchester Retail to Rent

The property comprises ground floor accommodation accessed via steps, with a small hand basin. WC’s are located via the rear of the property and includes additional storage. Now with City status, Colchester is a major economic centre in north Essex with a resident population of circa 185,000 people which is due to expand to over 200,000 people. The City benefits from excellent access to the A12, M25 (J. 28), the A120 to the Ports of Harwich and Stansted Airport and via the A14 via Ipswich to the Midlands. Main line rail links to London Liverpool Street have a fastest journey time of 46 minutes. The subject property occupies a prominent position down West Stockwell Street, off of the High Street, within an area of retail and office uses, directly opposite, Metro Bank and Tesco Express and behind Bills Restaurant

Contact:

Whybrow & Dodds Ltd

Date on Market:

20/03/2025
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More details for United Way, Colchester - Retail to Rent

United Way

Colchester, CO4 5UP

  • Retail to Let
  • £130,340 pa
  • 3,724 sq ft
  • 1 Unit Available Now

Colchester Retail to Rent

Turnstone’s prestigious 10-acre scheme, part of Colchester Borough Council’s major Northern Gateway sports and recreation facility. Located close to Colchester United’s Stadium and a David Lloyd Club, this scheme will deliver 200,000 sq ft of new leisure space, complete with a high-quality landscaped piazza, 750 parking spaces, Fastened rapid charging EV points and impressive green credentials.

Contact:

Whybrow

Date on Market:

06/02/2025
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More details for 1-21 Long Wyre St, Colchester - Retail to Rent

Foundation House - 1-21 Long Wyre St

Colchester, CO1 1LR

  • Retail to Let
  • 612 - 11,603 sq ft
  • 1 Unit Available Now
  • Private Toilets
  • Display Window

Colchester Retail to Rent

St Nicholas Quarter, the site of the former Co-Op department store, is located on the junction of St Nicholas Street, Long Wyre Street and Culver Street East. The scheme is immediately adjacent to Primark and 2 mins walk (150m) from the new Curzon Cinema. It is ideally situated to benefit from all day trade.

Contact:

Whybrow & Dodds Ltd

Date on Market:

25/02/2021
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More details for 18 Middleborough, Colchester - Retail to Rent

18 Middleborough

Colchester, CO1 1QT

  • Retail to Let
  • £43,210 pa
  • 3,865 sq ft
  • 1 Unit Available Now

Colchester Retail to Rent

18 Middleborough comprises a former car workshop with ancillary storage rooms with a large yard to the rear, extending to a total site area of 0.256 acres. Constructed of concrete frame and brick elevations, the property benefits from features including concrete floors, strip lighting and a manual roller shutter door measuring 5.94m wide by 3.79m high. Internally, the ground floor accommodation is arranged to provide two workshop bays, several storage rooms, a reception area, staff room, and W/C facilities. The workshop includes a first floor that offers additional storage space. The roller shutter side of the property, known as Workshop Bay 1, benefits from an apex height of 4.27m, while Workshop Bay 2 on the opposite side offers a height of 3.35m. Externally, there is a large rear yard providing ample space for parking and additional storage potential. Previously occupied by National Tyres, the property is ideally suited for continued use as a car workshop, though alternative uses will be considered subject to planning.

Contact:

Nicholas Percival

Date on Market:

07/08/2025
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LoopNet UK Essex Shops & Retail Units To Rent in Colchester, UK

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Frequently Asked Questions About Renting a Shop in Colchester

See All Retail Spaces For Rent
How many Shops & Retail Units listings are available to rent in Colchester?
There are currently 33 Shops & Retail Units available to let near Colchester. These listings feature a variety of retail unit types, with an average size of 3,237 sq ft. The largest size available to rent is 34,741 sq ft. The thriving commercial centre and excellent transport links in Colchester 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 Colchester?
The average asking rent for Shop or Retail Unit in Colchester is about £19 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 Colchester?
The largest Shop or Retail Unit available to rent is 34,741 sq ft and the smallest is 116 sq ft. The average size of Shop or Retail Unit available to rent in Colchester is approximately 3,237 sq ft.
What use class do Colchester 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 Colchester?
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 Colchester?
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 Colchester's retail landscape.

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

You searched for shops to rent in Colchester. Explore 33 retail units from top retail agents on LoopNet. Whether you're looking for retail units, high-street shops, or units in shopping centres, LoopNet offers a comprehensive selection to help you find the ideal location for your retal business. Each listing includes detailed information on property usage, size, rent, and high-quality floor plans and photos. With the most extensive inventory of retail properties worldwide, LoopNet is your trusted partner in finding the perfect retail unit.

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