A collection of independent and trademark shops are facing an uncertain future in Exeter after ambitious plans were announced to transform one of the city's leading shopping centres.
A brand new restaurant quarter will be created in the city centre from Queen Street to Market Square as part of a £7 million redevelopment of the Guildhall Shopping Centre.
But a dozen stores in the existing Higher Market Ambulatory arcade are vacating their homes to be replaced by a cluster of 13 cafés and restaurants.
Some retailers, including Hawkins Bazaar and ShakeAway, closed this week and are actively looking for new premises.
Others will shut later this year, and will either move elsewhere or terminate business altogether.
Roy Parry, 60, who has owned Exeter Rare Books with his 90-year-old father since 1979, said its closure in December would mark the "end of the era".
"It's unfortunate that we're closing, but it was bound to happen eventually," he said. "Our customers will miss us because there aren't many second hand book shops in towns and cities these days."
Danni Masters, store manager of Hawkin's Bazaar, said it was a "shame" they were asked to vacate.
"We were already planning to relocate next year, but in the end we had the rug pulled from under our feet," she said. "No doubt the kids will be shocked and horrified when they discover their favourite toy shop is no longer open, but we hope to come back in Exeter."
One of Exeter's oldest firms – hearing specialist Broom Reid and Harris dating back to 1841 – will also shut later this year.
Administrator Vikki Martin said: "Ideally we would have loved to stay, but what can you do? The Guildhall is outdated and the redevelopment is much-needed. We're looking for new premises because we definitely want to stay in Exeter."
The 36,500 sq ft (11.1 sq km) cluster of dining venues is being marketed under the new brand 'Queen St – dining at Guildhall Exeter'. It is being hailed as "the new ingredient in Exeter's recipe for success".
Andrew McNeilly, Guildhall Shopping Centre manager, said: "It would be naive of me not to think the current centre is dated and I am very mindful of its shortcomings. This redevelopment will breathe new life and vibrancy back into the centre and take the city centre forwards. Personally I'm very sad to see some shops go, but change is difficult and inevitable."
The first signs of the planned remodelling of the centre came earlier this week in the shape of vinyls in the windows of empty shop premises.
They herald the first part of the process of rebuilding the former shops in preparation for their transformation into 'unique dining destination'.
Centre owners Aviva Investors intend to appoint a contractor in the coming weeks.
Works are due to begin early in the new year, but the centre will remain 'open for business' as the changes take place. It is hoped the new restaurants will be open in time for Christmas 2015.
The 'premium casual dining cluster' is expected to deliver a major boost to Exeter's evening economy as it looks to offer a more European-style shopping experience.
John Harvey, Exeter city centre manager, said: "This impressive and exciting project will deliver a great new asset to the city. Such major investment is a strong reflection of the confidence in our city and is an important part of a long-term journey to change Exeter for the better. I am confident the work will have no negative impact on trade. It's very much business as usual."
Those behind the scheme hope to attract a mix of national restaurateurs and 'local food heroes' – serving everything from breakfast to fine dining.
Simon Green, associate director of Aviva Investors, said: "We knew from the outset of this project that we needed to transform the ordinary and create something extraordinary — a place that Exeter would be proud of."
