The rise, shown in research by Colliers CRE, the commercial property consultant, is greater than in 2003-04 and 2002-03, when rents increased by 3.4 per cent and 2.9 per cent respectively.

The South West and Wales saw the largest leaps in shop rents, recording rental growth of 5.4 per cent. The next- highest rises were in the East Midlands and South East, where rents increased by 4.9 per cent.

The biggest rises came in small towns and suburban centres, rather than well-known shopping destinations.

The biggest increase was in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, where prime rents soared

60 per cent to £40 per sq ft. The next-highest rises were in Newton Aycliffe, Durham, up 40 per cent to £35 per sq ft, and Canary Wharf, in London’s Docklands, up 36.8 per cent to an estimated £260 per sq ft.

Central London remains Britain’s most expensive shopping area, led by Brompton Road, where rents hit £520. Rents in all the key Central London shopping districts were static or rising, except for New Bond Street, down to £405 per sq ft.

Excluding the West End, the top seven most expensive retail areas in the UK are regional shopping malls. Brent Cross in North London remains the most expensive centre at £425 per sq ft. Bluewater in Kent rose to second place with rents of £410 per sq ft, overtaking Meadowhall in Sheffield.

Over ten years the top- performing shopping centre is Westbourne Grove, with prime rents up 387.5 per cent to £195 per sq ft. The next-best performers were Neal Street in Covent Garden, up 333.3 per cent to £325 per sq ft, and Bishopsgate near Liverpool Street, up 320 per cent to £210 per sq ft.

Paul Moody, director of retail agency at Colliers, said that demand from retailers for new shops units had been fuelled by corporate activity.

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