To receive a presentation from the Head of Communities and Governance providing information in relation to the transformation of town centres.
Minutes:
The Head of Communities and Governance provided the Group with a presentation providing information in relation to the transformation of town centres having attended a recent conference.
Key points to note within the presentation regarding the issues and challenges facing the high street were described as follows:
· The global economic crisis and the effects of Brexit. In addition to this there was fragile customer confidence and a concern about unemployment.
· The departure of national chains such as Clintons and Waterstones from Tiverton High Street and the risk of further national chains leaving the High Street if the economy struggles.
· Business rates were an issue as were high rents.
· Increasing the footfall was crucial.
· On a positive note vacant units within the towns of Mid Devon were bucking the national trend being considerably lower.
· There was competition from one stop, out of town, developments.
· A culture of convenience existed whereby people were working longer hours and shopping from the comfort of their own homes. Many consumers were time constrained.
· The South West had higher than average number of people over the age of 65.
Information was presented regarding current shopping habits:
· 92% of the population were active internet users, 62% through a mobile device.
· Average daily use of digital devices was 3 hours 47 minutes.
· Town centres needed to be colourful, attractive and vibrant. The key unique selling points needed to be teased out and a sense of community fostered.
· The digital agenda needed to be embraced where possible providing a seamless shopping experience. The click and collect option needed to be explored.
· Sustainability was key as was a need to be flexible.
· Ethical choices were important as was the whole ‘farm to table’ experience.
· There was not a one size fits all, each town had its own personality.
· There needed to be leadership and vision, partnership working, quick wins, milestones for longer projects, open and inclusive communication and most important of all access to funding.
Discussion took place regarding:
· For a town to be successful there needed to be a reason for going there. In Crediton food had become a focus. There had been a noticeable change in recent years with more people visiting the town because of food events.
· Food was a common theme across all of the towns. Arts and crafts also needed to be promoted where possible.
· Shoppers were now more discriminating.
· The ‘multiplier’ effect. Coming into the towns for one reason often leads to greater economic activity all round.
· Sometimes car park charges and an inability to place furniture on pavements for licensing reasons had a negative effect for traders.
· Tapping into events run by ‘Taste of the West’ should be further explored. A lot of businesses in Mid Devon had already won awards for food and drink. The Cullompton Food Festival had worked with the Michelin starred chef’s youth academy.
· The need to tap into the business skills and knowledge of professional people who had retired to the area.
· The option of having items delivered to a collection may be preferable to waiting in at home for a delivery. This needed to be further explored.