SOUTHAMPTON city centre businesses are reducing their opening hours because trade is so bad, it can be revealed.

At least two restaurants on Guildhall Square are now closing earlier due to the “non-existent” footfall across the site.

Now managers are asking Southampton City Council to reduce their business rates after what they say is a “lack of business sense” for the area.

They blame a combination of the delayed opening of the £25million Studio 144 art complex, competition from the Westquay extension, and expensive parking.

One manager cited a 40 per cent drop in custom with Guildhall Square resembling a “desert island”.

The manager, who did not want named, said: “We have asked the city council to reconsider the rent and business rates that are justified by the square being at the so called “premium location”.

“This is unfortunately very far from the reality.

“We do ask the council to review the rent and business rates, because if the situation does not improve urgently, with the current foot fall and lack of business, the danger is that many businesses will consider closing down.

“We wonder how the landlord will then rent the premises again as a premium location with such poor trading.”

Managers at Artisan coffee shop are now shutting up shop from 5pm on a weekday due to lack of custom.

Marketing manager Marc Jaytin said: “We have had to change our menus and are concentrating on the breakfast and lunchtime audiences now.The plan was for us to be operating in the evening as well.

"They don’t seem to have planned anything for the square. There’s an event in September but it’s a huge area and could be used so much better.

“At the moment there are lots of people for graduations, but that’s just one week of the year.”

Another business owner said: “To be honest we don’t need any more bad news, we just need to turn it around now.”

The leader of Southampton Conservatives Councillor Jeremy Moulton said: “Tens of millions of pounds have gone into Guildhall Square, but businesses are suffering.”

A spokesperson for Southampton City Council said: “A prestigious and bespoke project to deliver two world class landmark arts venues of this magnitude is complex and takes time to deliver. Externally, the iconic nature of the project is already clear to see, current work is focussed on ensuring that the interior delivers to the same high standard.”

He added: “When completed, the Quarter will transform Southampton into a leading arts and cultural destination, bringing vital benefits for residents and visitors, business and tourism.

“This vision is already delivering results for Southampton with Arts Council England recently announcing their intention to invest £13million into the city’s vibrant cultural offer from 2018-2022."