A QUAINT Dorchester street has welcomed three new independent businesses, creating around five new jobs in the historic town centre.

Antelope Walk - which has recently undergone repairs and maintenance – is now home to a gifts and homeware store, an artisan florist and a licensed body piercer.

Phil Gordon, project director for Dorchester BID said: “I am absolutely delighted to see that the recent efforts of the owners of the walk (refurbishing, decorating and generally sprucing up) together with some very keen and more realistic rental rates have led to a rapid re-birth of this pretty quarter in the heart of the town centre.”

Dorset Echo: Cranbornes, Antelope Walk, Dorchester. Picture: In The Bag PRCranbornes, Antelope Walk, Dorchester. Picture: In The Bag PR

Cranbornes – which offers cosy socks, blankets and candles – was first established in 1992. Now located in Unit 5, owner, Karen Hardwick said: “The history of the walk and the overall charming look and feel really makes you feel like you’re stepping into another time. We’re very excited to be here and even more excited about the beautiful shops we’re seeing open up around us.”

Settling in Unit 10 is Flowerful, described as an escape from the stresses of everyday life, which boasts a team of artisan florists offering florist services as well as courses and workshops.

A few doors along is Isha Body Jewellery at Unit 13, offering licensed body piercing with more than 20 years of experience. Owner Emma Rance - who is the only UKAPP (Association of Professional Piercers) member in Dorset – also stocks an array of body jewellery.

Dorset Echo: ISHA Antelope Walk, Dorchester. Picture: In The Bag PRISHA Antelope Walk, Dorchester. Picture: In The Bag PR

She said: “We really focus on the precision of piercing and have a huge emphasis on using quality apparatus, beautiful and carefully crafted jewellery and of course, the cleanliness and hygiene of our whole operation. We are very excited to welcome customers and showcase our high levels of service.”

After suffering the loss of a few businesses over the last few years, Antelope Walk’s new tenants will offer around five new jobs to the local market with an announcement for new openings due soon, meaning this number will rise.

Mr Gordon added: “It is now filling up fast with a great and eclectic mix of small, independent shops – something that Dorchester has long been well known for!”