Property group’s restaurants and shops benefit from rise in overseas visitors

Property investment group Shaftesbury has reported a first-half profit of £122.7m for the six months ended 31 March 2010.

The group said it made £33m of acquisitions during the period in reponse to a ’prospering’ market in London’s West End. In the corresponding period last year Shaftesbury made a £160m loss.

Rental income increased 3.7% to £32.4 million.

John Manser, the group’s chairman said: “Although the outlook for the UK and European economies remains uncertain, London’s West End is prospering and is attracting increasing numbers of domestic and overseas visitors.â€

“Consumer spending in our locations remains buoyant, which is reflected in strong demand for our shops and restaurants and historically low levels of voids throughout the portfolio.â€