Agenda item

Cllr Graham Galpin, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Property at Ashford Borough Council, was invited by the Chair to speak to the Board. Cllr Galpin explained he was one of the eight members of the expert panel tasked to diagnose issues that currently affect the health of our high streets and advise on the best practical measures to help them thrive now and in the future. He also explained he was present to update the Board on the work of the panel, take feedback from Board members, and share his view of local government’s role.

In the following presentation, Cllr Galpin informed the Boardthat:

·         He had been chosen to take this position following the success of Ashford high street.

·         He expressed a view that local authorities should take a leadership role in the revitalisation of local town centres.

·         He advised local authorities to appoint town centre portfolio holders or champions.

·         He emphasised the importance of a Town Strategic Board in bringing key funders together and for place changing decision making.

·         He highlighted that local authorities need to act fast to prevent high streets decaying.

·         He also suggested it would be beneficial to have incentives put in place to turn retail into accommodation.

The Chairman invited Alan Harris, Partner at Montagu Evans, to also share his expertise on how local government can maximise its influence and control of important town centre assets.

In his presentation, Alan Harris informed the Board that:

·         He had worked with around one hundred local authorities across the country.

·         He emphasised the impact generational differences would have on our high streets.

·         He advised that local authorities and local businesses needed to think about what is unique about their town.

·         He highlighted the Grimsey Review as evidencing the need for a focus on place.

·         There was a need for more people working in town centres and more agile co-working spaces.

·         He advised that local authorities put together a plan and know their targets.

·         Regarding how local authorities can best control change, there was a need to build relationships with local businesses etc.

·         Local authorities consider different perceptions and change perceptions.

In the discussion that followed,:

·         Alan highlighted that it would be important for Councillors to communicate the need to be less focused on retail in high streets going forwards.

·         Concerns were raised as to the collapse of town centres in regions’ secondary towns.

·         The work done in Blackpool’s city centre was raised as a prominent example of high street regeneration.

·         A view was expressed that a review of parking charges could help fund struggling high streets.

·         A view was expressed it would be helpful to ascertain if there is a difference for town centres reliant on more independents.

The Chairman thanked the speakers for a fascinating discussion, and suggested that visits to key examples of town centre revitalisation would be beneficial for the Board.

Decisions

The Environment, Economy, Housing and Transport Board considered the views of invited experts and gave a steer on the future work of the LGA in this area.

Actions

Officers to plan and organise visits for those Members who are interested to see town centre revitalisation projects.