THE Old Quarter is undergoing a revival. New shops, more customers and increased trade are giving proprietors confidence in what has been a difficult part of Town for some businesses.

‘This area’s up and coming,’ said Loop CI director Richard Corcoran.

The 36-year-old, who co-owns the interior design company with his wife, Nikki, began in a small rented building in the street three-and-a-half years ago.

As demand increased, the firm purchased a larger property 100 yards away and moved just over a year ago.

‘It shows it can be done here. We now own the building and all of our product. We are making a big investment and showing our commitment to the area.’

Mr Corcoran said the key to business success was drawing customers to the shop by going out and showing them the product.

‘In terms of doing business up here, it’s excellent. Of course, things like better parking would help, but if people see your shop as their destination, then they will always find ways to come.

‘Small businesses that are owner-operated will succeed here – people are more passionate about their own business.’

Another man not lacking in passion is Sardinian Ivan Pelligrini, who opened his Italian restaurant, La Lanterna, at the start of February.

‘To attract people to Mill Street, you need something unusual, something special,’ said the 31-year-old.

‘It was my dream to open a restaurant. We opened in Mill Street because the restaurant conversion was brand new. Business so far has been good.’

Proprietors believe that better trade was a sign that the negativity once associated with the area was disappearing.

‘I’ve had so many people saying ﾓset up in Mill Street – it won’t workﾔ. And elderly gentlemen who, with nothing better to do in the morning, come in and tell me ﾓyou’ll be out within 12 monthsﾔ,’ said Serena Gill, 34, who opened Little Miss Jones in July last year.

‘However, people just have to get over it, because it’s been getting busier and busier this end of Town.’

The success of the women’s accessories store means Ms Gill has plans to put the business online as well.

Katie Love, 25, who co-owns Free Love with her sister, Joni, agrees that there is definite potential in the Old Quarter.

‘We started in October and it’s gone really well – it’s a lovely little area.

‘We decided to move here because of the Markets development. It’s a nice street for little boutiques.’

And long-term business owners have also noticed a change in the area.

‘Yes, it’s surprising, there are more people in the street. It’s cleaner and shops are looking more attractive,’ said Will De La Rue, whose antiques business has been there for nine years.

Nick Le Page, chairman of the Old Quarter Association, said there had been a notable change and the area had its own community.

‘The area’s definitely improved and it’s a lot more diverse than it used to be. If you’re doing something specialised, then people will go to it,’ he said.

‘Everyone looks out for each for other, which is a hard thing to find elsewhere.’