Retail in West Dorset available to rent
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Shops & Retail Units to Rent in West Dorset

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Explore the Latest Available Shops & Retail Units to Rent in West Dorset

Retail property to let in West Dorset, 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 West Dorset
More details for Queen Mother Sq, Dorchester - Retail to Rent

Escalus House - Queen Mother Sq

Dorchester, DT1 3BL

  • Retail to Let
  • £35,000 pa
  • 1,626 sq ft
  • 1 Unit Available Now
  • Energy Performance: B
  • Raised Floor
  • Suspended Ceilings
  • DDA Compliant
  • Kitchen

Dorchester Retail to Rent

For Lease, The Gallery on the Square premises is in the very centre of Poundbury at Queen Mother Square. Suitable as a shop/office premises available in two linked areas with dual access from the western and northern sides. Occupying the ground floor of the brick-built Georgian-style property on the southern side of the Square, the premises were originally conceived as office space, but have been in use since 2011 as retail outlet and art gallery. There are high ceilings and good natural light from large sash-style windows. Totalling 1,900 sqft and arranged in two separate areas 1,626 sqft and 274 sqft with WCs, store and kitchen.

Contact:

Symonds & Sampson

Property Type:

Office

Date on Market:

20/11/2025
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More details for The St, Charmouth - Retail to Rent

The Arcade - The St

Charmouth, DT6 6PU

  • Retail to Let
  • £9,000 pa
  • 563 sq ft
  • 1 Unit Available Now
  • Energy Performance: C
  • Kitchen

Charmouth Retail to Rent - Bridport

Just two miles from Lyme Regis on the Jurassic Coast, Charmouth is a traditional village situated on the mouth of the River Char. Village facilities include pubs, restaurants, cafe's, shops and post office. Situated with frontage onto the main road, The Street, the property is in a prominent prime trading position and adjacent to Morgans of Charmouth general store.

Contact:

Symonds & Sampson

Date on Market:

17/09/2025
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More details for Bridport Rd, Dorchester - Retail to Rent

St Martin's Place - Bridport Rd

Dorchester, DT1 2FB

  • Retail to Let
  • £63,500 pa
  • 3,541 sq ft
  • 1 Unit Available Now
  • Energy Performance: B
  • DDA Compliant
  • Kitchen

Dorchester Retail to Rent

The property is situated opposite the landmark Dorset County Hospital on the main road passing east/west through the town. The town centre is 1 mile to the east and Poundbury a similar distance to the west. Large ground floor retail unit with staff room/office and disabled WC. Convenient outside store. Situated in a prominent position adjacent to Avenue Interiors and Sainsburys in St Martins Place, the retail unit enjoys frontage to the busy Bridport Road with shared customer parking behind. Located opposite the County Hospital.

Contact:

Symonds & Sampson

Date on Market:

28/10/2024
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More details for South St, Dorchester - Retail to Rent

Tudor Arcade Shopping Centre - South St

Dorchester, DT1 1BN

  • Retail to Let
  • £25,000 - £27,500 pa
  • 790 - 2,618 sq ft
  • 2 Units Available Now
  • Air Conditioning
  • Security System
  • Restaurant

Dorchester Retail to Rent

Tudor Arcade links the prime section of pedestrianised South Street with the main Car Park serving the town. The scheme is anchored by Waitrose. Retailers within the scheme include Farrow & Ball, The Works, Grape Tree, Timpson and Isha Body Jewellery.

Contact:

Grice Collins, Long Ltd

Date on Market:

19/09/2025
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More details for 18-18A South St, Dorchester - Retail to Rent

18-18A South St

Dorchester, DT1 1BS

  • Retail to Let
  • £30,000 pa
  • 1,240 sq ft
  • 1 Unit Available Now
  • Energy Performance: D
  • Air Conditioning
  • Security System
  • Kitchen

Dorchester Retail to Rent

Lease Assignment - Prime Town Centre Shop Premises Dorchester is the county town of Dorset and is located 8 miles north of Weymouth and 20 miles west of Poole. The property occupies a prime pedestrianised trading position within Dorchester's principal trading thoroughfare of South Street adjacent to Superdrug and nearby to Peacocks, Fat Face, Mountain Warehouse, WH Smith, Barclays Bank. These well-presented premises comprise a good-sized shop unit together with ancillary space at first floor level where a large stock room, office and staffroom / kitchen are provided. Excellent rear loading facilities are provided and the property also benefits from 4 car parking spaces within the rear car park. The shop benefits from Karndean type timber effect floor covering, infra-red burglar system, ceiling mounted spotlighting and air conditioning.

Contact:

Mava Real Estate

Date on Market:

28/07/2025
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More details for 8-10 Lower Blakemere Rd, Dorchester - Retail to Rent

8-10 Lower Blakemere Rd

Dorchester, DT1 3RZ

  • Retail to Let
  • £18,000 pa
  • 1,246 sq ft
  • 1 Unit Available Now
  • Energy Performance: A

Dorchester Retail to Rent

The property comprises a retail unit arranged over ground floor. Situated on Lower Blakemere Street within sight of Buttercross Square and just a few minutes walk from the heart of Poundbury at Queen Mother Square, which has a Waitrose supermarket and the Duchess of Cornwall Inn.

Contact:

Chesters Harcourt

Date on Market:

16/07/2025
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More details for 160 Lower Acreman St, Sherborne - Retail to Rent

Swan House - 160 Lower Acreman St

Sherborne, DT9 3EX

  • Retail to Let
  • £28,000 pa
  • 1,760 sq ft
  • Energy Performance: B
  • Display Window

Sherborne Retail to Rent

The property is of modern construction and easily adaptable to a multitude of uses. At present the layout has been divided for its current use as a veterinary surgery however the walls are of wooden stud walls so the interior can be opened up without major structural works. The property is located along the busy Westbury/Acreman Streets that serve as one of the main access and routes through Sherborne. The property is within easy walking distance of the town centre and regularly used as one of the main means of accessing all the schools and businesses in the town

Contact:

Matthews Properties Limited

Date on Market:

03/07/2024
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More details for High West St, Dorchester - Retail to Rent

High West St

Dorchester, DT1 1UW

  • Retail to Let
  • £15,000 - £40,000 pa
  • 790 - 12,094 sq ft
  • 1 Unit Available Now
  • Energy Performance: D

Dorchester Retail to Rent

Dorchester is the county town of Dorset and is located approximately 30 miles west of Bournemouth, 8 miles north of Weymouth and 24 miles west of Poole. The A35 provides good road communications eastwards to the A31/M27 and westwards to Exeter. The town’s mainline railway station, approximately 1 km from the property, provides services to London Waterloo and Bristol Temple Meads. Dorchester has a population of 21,366 (2021 census) and the town has a vibrant centre with many national retailers trading alongside quality independent businesses. Recent years have seen significant development in Dorchester including the Dutchy of Cornwall’s celebrated Poundbury development and also Brewery Square, a mixed-use development in the town centre on the site of the former Eldridge Pope brewery. This features a cinema and a range of hospitality and retail businesses. Princes House occupies an excellent and prominent trading location in the heart of the town fronting High West Street at its junction with Trinity Street. The lower end of the property, formerly occupied by Argos, is also prominently situated fronting Trinity Street at its junction with Princes Street. Princes House is currently undergoing redevelopment by our clients to provide 35 new apartments arranged over the upper floors with commercial space available on the ground floor and basement levels including a goods lift and loading bay access to Princes Street.

Contact:

Mava Real Estate

Date on Market:

02/04/2024
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LoopNet UK Dorset Dorchester Shops & Retail Units To Rent in West Dorset, Dorchester, UK

Learn More About Leasing Shops & Retail Units

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Frequently Asked Questions About Renting a Shop in West Dorset

See All Retail Spaces For Rent
How many Shops & Retail Units listings are available to rent in West Dorset?
There are currently 16 Shops & Retail Units available to let near West Dorset. These listings feature a variety of retail unit types, with an average size of 2,903 sq ft. The largest size available to rent is 12,094 sq ft. The thriving commercial centre and excellent transport links in West Dorset 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 West Dorset?
The average asking rent for Shop or Retail Unit in West Dorset is about £15 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 West Dorset?
The largest Shop or Retail Unit available to rent is 12,094 sq ft and the smallest is 460 sq ft. The average size of Shop or Retail Unit available to rent in West Dorset is approximately 2,903 sq ft.
What use class do West Dorset 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 West Dorset?
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 West Dorset?
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 West Dorset's retail landscape.

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

You searched for shops to rent in West Dorset. Explore 16 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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