Agenda item

Kamal Panchal introduced the report on the future of town centres that highlighted the recent LGA work in this area and proposed further work to be led by this Board in support of councils’ effort to revitalise their town centres.

Members made the following comments

Town centre heritage is important and highlighting cultural landmarks will bring residents to town centres.

Business rates are contentious and are not currently as flexible as needed.

High streets are seeing a reduction in shop retail, changing from the traditional high street trends. Out of town retail parks are also declining.

Town centres retail decline is negatively affecting young people and their initial employment opportunities.

Town centre regeneration needs to reflect where new housing developments should be placed. Housing above shops should be also looked into again.

Children's activities can bring residents to the town centre, empty retails units can be used to create educational pop up/short term attractions.

Businesses being within a town centre can bring employees to shop on working days and local councils can bring their council officers to town centres to increase staff footfall to local businesses

Local leadership at councils needs to have an active involvement into what their high street looks like and what is needed for residents

Kamal highlighted the following areas of interest for the committee

Bradford City Council will be featuring in the Innovation Zone at the LGA annual conference this year, reporting on new and existing business growth and job opportunities in Bradford City Centre.

The Grimsey Review, a report into the decline of the High Street.

Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee inquiry into High streets and town centres in 2030