Re think town centres

reshape, re use town centres - people want an experience and to shop - need to embrace both. More diversity of uses so that there are offices, shops, things for young and old to do/visit. Make them less barren, more nature , redesigned linking the different places together.  Bring in more colour, uniquness and cultural activities, things to see - connect things up to make the experience a good experience for both locals and visitors

Why the contribution is important

because towncentres are declining and we need to do something to retain them but need to think differntly 

by Sunny on August 08, 2024 at 10:27AM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.4
Based on: 10 votes

Comments

  • Posted by WyndhamOak August 08, 2024 at 18:10

    It is well known that high streets are in decline across the country. They have become empty spaces only full of charity shops and fast food places. There is a dearth of independent local businesses in the vast majority of towns. To boost local economies and pride these high streets need to attract footfall with quality shops and spaces. Some towns in the southwest have more vibrant town centres than others with nice local shops and restaurants. The success of these areas is usually dependent on the number of such complimentary businesses in a location. Without a minimum critical mass of attractive shops any single business is doomed to failure as they will not receive the right amount of footfall. The council should take case studies of successful high streets (shaftsbury?) and determine the factors that make it a success. Select towns across the Dorset area should than have strategies formulated for attracting the right number and quality of businesses for that area based on its local needs. Priority should be given to local businesses with financial support and advice being provided by the council. This will help regenerate towns and local satisfaction

  • Posted by Melaniehellier August 09, 2024 at 07:21

    Make Weymouth appealing. It needs to look cared for. Colorful hanging baskets, flowers that are tended too. Street acts, music, magicians etc ..

  • Posted by Ripple21 August 09, 2024 at 12:03

    Towns that have a good selection of independent small businesses seem to attract more footfall. There are some good examples of this is Devon.
    In the 60’s and 70’s Weymouth town centre had living accommodation above a lot of the shops. These spaces now seem to be taken up by storage space for some of the shops - with a rather tatty visual experience from outside. Restoring some of the residential space to floors above commercial space would bring life back to the town centres and provide some affordable housing for younger people.

  • Posted by tsabbots August 09, 2024 at 13:39

    I agree that high streets need to be experiences rather than functional. I have two young kids and we tend to head to Yeovil often because it's good for kids - little traffic, interesting shops and galleries, a good selection of places to eat and drink, and importantly - baby changing that men can access (only 3 of Dorset Council's 35+ baby change facilities are accessible to men because they're in the women's toilets).

  • Posted by Squawky1 August 10, 2024 at 16:06

    Poor old Gillingham is a disjointed mess. The railway station is cut off from the town and no though has gone into making the town centre user friendly which is astounding considering the vast amount of development that has and is still taking place there. Car parking is mysteriously obscure and seems not to relate to the need to make a centre where people can park and walk about to different shops. It just all seems very badly thought out for such a highly populated town.

  • Posted by residentX August 13, 2024 at 23:40

    Town centres need to change. Empty units promote gloom and if you look to the upper floors they are empty or run down. Promote rental accommodation in town centres in these upper floors, suitable for younger people maybe. The pavements and streets need cleaning...jet washed. Greenery too. Encourage pop up shops for new business folk.

  • Posted by plinn84 August 21, 2024 at 18:00

    We know the issues- declining shops, empty properties (both business and residential). But what are the ideas to get more retail, more town centre residential properties and less betting and charity shops. Can a council influence these things? If so how?Are there good examples in other towns to follow? I don't know - perhaps DC could find out?

  • Posted by Murdo55 August 26, 2024 at 15:34

    Where there are empty (and sometimes very untidy) shops, businesses should be offered incentives (lower rates) to open up. The amount of barbers, estate agents, charity shops is ridiculous.

  • Posted by brighterdaysahead September 14, 2024 at 11:22

    Dorset Council needs to have the power to ensure landlords maintain their business properties to a high standard whether they are empty or in use. There are retail areas in central Weymouth that are so run down and and shoddy and this gives such a poor impression to visitors and locals alike. Weymouth deserves to be a vibrant, attractive place which ultimately attracts more small business and people to the area.
     
Log in or register to add comments and rate ideas