Bradford Council commissions retail study
Bradford Council has commissioned an investigation into retail spending, shopping patterns and town centre performance across the city to assist the Council in its decision making on future retail need up to 2026.
The study will be undertaken by retail consultancy WYG and will be used to inform the Council’s emerging Core Strategy Development Plan Document and future retail planning strategy for the next 15 years.
The Core Strategy Development Plan Document is scheduled for public consultation in late 2012.
WYG said it will be getting into the minds of local consumers to understand shopping patterns and desires as well as looking at retail business performance to evaluate future retail floor space requirements. It will also examine how the recession has affected local shopping patterns and the vitality and viability of the district’s town, district and local centres and evaluate whether the current retail landscape is delivering sustainable shopping provision for Bradford’s communities.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Paul Shuker, associate at WYG, explained: “The biggest challenge for Bradford Council is how they are going to respond positively to declining town centre environments and closing shops as well as responding to the growth of online shopping and diversify into specialist retailing sectors. Creating vibrant and viable town centres is extremely complex and there is no ‘one fix all solution’ to encourage vibrancy and growth.
“However, this research will allow the Council to understand the issues facing the retail business community and allow them to decide what are the best possible solutions to take forward through to 2026.”
