Member Article

The future of high streets and town centres is the theme of latest SmartRegion report

Greater collaboration, community wellbeing and a focus on the green agenda are key to the future success of Coventry and Warwickshire’s high streets, according to a new report.

The future of high streets and town centres is the theme of the current Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub SmartRegion report which collects information from its business engagements as well as from CWLEP, Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council and other organisations.

Removal of the “Plan B” restrictions are helping spend and footfall recovery across the area’s town and city centres, the report has highlighted.

Increased footfall is also being helped by the Coventry Business Improvement District (BID) securing £150,000 of funding from Arts Council England for ‘The Show Windows’ project.

In Leamington a variety of summer events and promotions, including BID Leamington’s spectacular Food and Drink Festival, helped visitor numbers to return to 2019 levels. BID Leamington also took the opportunity to test future ideas, such as trailing pedi-bikes in partnership with the University of Warwick’s Creative Futures initiative.

Work has also started on the first project of the Creative Quarter – a major regeneration programme in Leamington’s Old Town.

Trish Willetts, BID Director of Coventry BID Ltd, said Coventry being the UK City of Culture 2021 has been a driving force to the recovery of Coventry city centre.

She said: “With regular projects and interventions from May 2021 when Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture started right through last year and towards May 2022, the BID businesses have seen a gradual and steady recovery.

“Moving forwards, I think it is important to invest in last mile delivery for businesses moving to the city, and the Very Light Rail infrastructure will be key to removing traffic congestion from the city centre and creating a greener and cleaner space for people to enjoy.

“I think it is also important for businesses to embrace the work of BIDs because we are the key drivers of the recovery due to our close relationships with the BID businesses. Collaboration is the way forward!”

Stephanie Kerr, Executive Director of BID Leamington, said its key priorities to Collaborate, Create, Innovate, and Celebrate alongside making the town centre a community centre has been its philosophy for 10 years which is more important than ever. She said: “We should demonstrate best practice, support organisations to change and promote a culture of inclusion which, in turn, will lead to deeper collaboration, more balanced outcomes, and greater community buy-in.

“The green agenda is now – and collaboration to achieve climate goals is critical to maximise efficiency. There is always more room for planting and ‘greening’ buildings and places.

“We must consider health and wellbeing including supporting positive workplace culture and people with lower incomes to be a part of the region’s ambitious plans.”

Craig Humphrey, Managing Director of the CWLEP Growth Hub, said it was important to be creative and innovative to encourage footfall in the area’s high streets.

“Coventry city centre has benefited hugely from being UK City of Culture since the local authority has invested over £44 million in public realm improvements as part of preparations – and it has also, crucially, been a magnet for further investment,” he said.

“Leamington town centre and Coventry city centre have remained resilient despite all the difficulties businesses have faced throughout Covid-19.

“We must continue to provide support to enable them to recover from the effects of the pandemic and create a range of opportunities for people to come to our area’s high streets, whether that is during the day or night.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .