Civic Voice Activities - TrustNews Sept 13
Civic Voice continues to follow and influence Parliamentary activities which are relevant to its civic society membership. One matter which is of increasing concern to many of its members during difficult economic times is the weak state of the retail sector which is evidenced by empty shops on many high streets - often a symptom of other signs of distress. Parliament has recently held a debate on this subject. In Winchester’s case we are fortunate to be doing rather better than many and the closing of one business here is usually quickly replaced by another. It is clear from the Trust's discussions with the Winchester BID (Business Improvement District) that their work on behalf of its 844 business members has been effective in promoting Winchester, attracting trade by encouraging visitors and boosting commercial activity.
But will Winchester be able to continue in this relatively benign situation? We have more retail space planned for the Silver Hill development and the new Local Plan requires Winchester to provide for a further 9,000 square metres of retail space in the city between 2021 and 2031. During the preparation of the Local Plan representations were made on behalf of the Trust by a former Council member, Harvey Cole, about the excessive amount of retail space. Late in the process Winchester City Council reduced the amount of retail provision from the considerably higher figure that had been proposed earlier by retail consultants advising the Council. However this reduced figure may still be too high if the conclusions of a report circulated by Civic Voice to its members are accurate.
In May this year the Centre for Retail Research produced a pessimistic report for retailing entitled ‘Retail Futures 2018’. It predicts a continuation of weak consumer spending, low growth, too many shops and an increase in the proportion of buying online. Although store numbers nationwide have been falling since the 1920s, they expect the rate of closures to increase in the years ahead. There will be regional differences, with the South East least affected, but even there a decline of 13% is anticipated. If this is so, it must call into question the increase in retail provision required by the Local Plan and we have alerted the City Council to this. Preparations are underway on the second part of the Local Plan and we hope the City Council will take into account this piece of authoritative evidence in planning for the future needs of Winchester.