THREE firms have set up shop at empty units next to a former Southampton shopping centre – reflecting the strength of the city’s high street.

Businesswoman Kat Sikorska has opened a new tattoo salon, Alteration Nation, at East Bargate – helping to rejuvenate a part of the city centre.

She is joined by digital processing firm Photogenic UK South Ltd, which has moved into Hanover Buildings after moving from Marlands and which is now trading as Kodak Express.

Electronic cigarette store Gruve Cigarettes has moved in next door.

Alteration Nation is Kat’s first business venture since she moved to the country eight years ago from her native Poland.

She hoped other firms would start up in the area.

She said: “Not only is rent cheaper around the shops near Above Bar but it is busier, too.

“There’s quite a few empty shops and I have been a bit worried about being on the side of town.

“The best thing that could happen now would be if someone bought up the Bargate Centre. We’re definitely hoping that it will get busier.”

Jeremy Braybrooke, director of Southampton retail agents Osmond Brookes, facilitated the moves – adding that the strength of Above Bar is spreading out.

He said: “Hopefully we will have a couple of more shops filled soon.

“The strength of Above Bar Street is spreading out into the more peripheral parts of the city.

“These lettings are good news for the city centre as they show there is demand for smaller units from local traders and they have helped consolidate occupation in an area that was hit by the closure of the Bargate Centre.

“Demand for the city centre is increasing all the time and in fact, for better units, there are now far fewer available than there are enquiries. Very soon you will see even more shops re-opening as things continue to improve.”