News & Events

The town was placed in the 'most at risk' category for local retail centres in Britain in the white paper drafted by The Javelin Group, one of Europe's leading specialist retail consultants.

A quote from the report; 'Local government would benefit from retail strategists. Retail focus, which should be a functional necessity, is sometimes diluted across planners, marketeers, regeneration specialists and economic advisors.' 

Of course retail consultants would say that strategists are needed, but it is fair to point out the lack of retail and social focus by local authorities (at town and district level) there has been in some towns, that hopefully the town teams can now address. Perhaps the focus has been too much on long-term regeneration strategies to the detriment of more immediate action to promote and support the town centre?

One section summarises the tools local authorities can use to retain a vibrant commercial hub;

• Planning (to facilitate faster retail-led or mixed-use regeneration)
• Rates and parking charges
• Town Centre marketing
• Environment (to promote a greater sense of identity and belonging)
• Communication (to present a clear vision and delivery plan to stakeholders)
• Events (to promote other reasons to visit)
• Leisure/tourism offer
• Public transport links

You can download the report here (simple form to fill in first).