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Retail-led regeneration is an important mechanism to revitalise communities by providing jobs, promoting economic growth and creating attractive places to draw people into an area. It also has an important role to play in place-making as an element of wider urban regeneration.
In a report supported by the BCSC Educational Trust and Business in the Community (BITC), DTZ Consulting conducted the research to identify good practice in terms of the community and social impacts of retail-led regeneration projects and draw lessons for future similar developments. Key findings of the research indicate that partnerships have been formed on a number of different levels bringing with them vision, ownership and the necessary political backing. Transparent operations and communication at all levels where has been imperative. Developers with a good understanding of the needs and priorities of communities, and good quality masterplans and development, represent key success factors.
The last 20 years have also seen a major decline in the retail offer in medium-sized and smaller towns. Many have been strongly influenced by changing consumer demand and shopping habits. Consumers have rising expectations and are seeking more choice, greater security and easier access - needs which are no t met in many smaller locations.
Retail-led regeneration and the viability of secondary retail centres are at the heart of BCSC's town-centres first approach.
We continue to respond to consultations including Regeneration and the Recession - Unlocking the Money which called for greater collaboration on funding models to unblock the development pipeline, supported with evidence given at the CLG Committee regarding the proposed changes to PPS6 as well as consideration of rates holidays on new developments and greater clarity within the procurement process.
In partnership with DTZ, Retail-led Regeneration: Why It Matters to Our Communities (2009) was based on extensive research into a variety of smaller centres across the UK, and offers a range of practical case study-based recommendations.
BCSC's report Medium-sized and Smaller Towns - Raising the Game highlighted the improvements in some major cities with massive retail developments, raising concerns that there is a need to rebalance the retail hierarchy to achieve social inclusion, regeneration and sustainability objectives. The 2009 report looks at how the challenges are being addressed and which efforts are being made to halt decline. It states that to create new viable small towns, developers will need to ensure a catchment area wide enough to pull spend away from other larger centres, and this is likely to require major investment and close partnerships between the public and private sectors. A high level of commitment and understanding is key to the success of these schemes. |
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To discuss any aspect of industry issues and BCSC policy, please contact
Edward Cooke, Executive Director on edward.cooke@bcsc.org.uk / 020 7227 4481 |
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| Related Government Consultations |
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