The level of empty shops in the 15 key locations across the UK, have registered the largest quarterly fall since 2006 according to Colliers International’s National Retail Barometer for Q3 2014.

The average void rate by number of units is now 13%, with 12 of the 15 locations tracked experiencing a fall in the vacancy rate.

Mark Phillipson, Head of Retail at Colliers International, said: “The trend is encouraging and reflects the growing demand for space – particularly at the prime end of the market.”

Compared to six months ago, the sample centres have collectively registered a decrease in vacant space of more than 300,000 sqft of total vacancy across the 15 locations which now stands at 1.8m sq ft.

The absorption of space has not been confined to London and the South East, as locations such as Liverpool, Cardiff, Northampton and Worcester also saw falls in the vacancy rate.

Phillipson said: “It is highly unlikely that there will be a return to the general occupancy level that prevailed pre-recession.

“The growth of online shopping will continue to influence the demand for physical stores and retailers are now more focused on building smaller networks of outlets that primarily target the strongest High Streets, shopping centres and out-of-town parks.

“For retail landlords, the challenge is to provide a key point of difference which will attract shoppers. In this respect, an attractive leisure element and free or cheap parking is essential.”

Despite the falling void rates, there has been little movement in the average length of time that shops sit empty with on average, 43% currently remaining vacant for more than a year.