The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has announced guidelines for struggling city centres to re-invent themselves with unique and independent characteristics to set them apart from other shopping districts and further attract future retailers and shoppers alike.
Although plans sound simple enough and people who have long since been shouting the downsides of 'the clone town' will be happy at the new individualistic approach to reinvigoration, town planners are scratching their heads at how to cultivate their new 'characteristic' approach.
Towns with historic ties and other noteworthy landmarks will function well with the criteria, for example Birmingham's rejuvenation of the Bull Ring made use of distinctive architecture for the so called 'bubble wrap' Selfridges building.
Whereas other towns should concentrate on swiftly combating littering and vandalism to create safe and attractive shopping areas and use themed events, like local market-town Banbury's continental street market, to help shoppers identify with the area. The BRC said that the government had not been offering enough support to high streets which are suffering from empty buildings deterring would-be shoppers since many retailers have entered into administration. The government's attempts to 'plug budget holes' by raising business rates has not helped with business rental taxes also rising. Some landlords have reached negotiations with retailers to combat this 'empty property' boom by making concessions on monthly rental bills and payments during the recession.
Empty building on high streets detract from the retail areas, as consumers who are tightening belts are even less inclined to part with valuable cash, adding to the recessive cycle.
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