Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report updates the Area Committee on occupancy levels, vacancies and lettings in the town centre and the strategy to improve occupancy.

The Area Committee is requested to comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Nicola Turner on 0161 218 1635 or email: nicola.turner@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on occupancy levels, vacancies and lettings in the town centre and the strategy to improve occupancy.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

•           The impact of internet shopping on occupancy levels in the town centre was highlighted.

•           Visitors to the town centre often  wished to do more than just shop and this would be addressed by the facilities offered by the Redrock development.

•           The Area Committee was updated on the current situation with regard to the former White Lion public house on Great Underbank.

•           The success of the Vintage Village fairs at the covered market hall were highlighted.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report updates the Task Force on occupancy levels, vacancies and lettings in the town centre and the strategy to improve occupancy.

The Task Force is requested to comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Nicola Turner on 0161 218 1635 or email: nicola.turner@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Task Force on occupancy levels, vacancies and lettings in the town centre and the strategy to improve occupancy.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Car parking remained a problem in the town centre, especially since the Bridgefield Street Car Park had been closed due to the Redrock development. In addition, there was examples of cars queuing on St. Petersgate to enter the Merseyway Car Park either due to the barrier problem at the car park or the car park being busy.

·         The main issue in the town centre with regard to occupancy remained the offer and in particular the size of the units, the need to develop the mid-market offer, build up the independent sector and improve signage and the street scene.

·         The Task Force would be advised of progress on the Merseyway Shopping Centre at its next meeting.

·         As vacancy levels were far higher outside the Merseyway Shopping Centre than in the centre of Stockport, there could be a link between footfall and vacancy rates.

·         Of particular concern was the overall value of the floorspace that was empty.

·         The recent revaluation of business rates had led to a 35% reduction and this was an issue which needed to be considered.

·         The effect of internet shopping on the town centre was another issue to be considered.

·         The use of franchises inside a major retailer’s premises could be considered.

·         The use of digital or electronic noticeboards and social media to access businesses and other networks was encouraged.

·         The Council was trying to secure key businesses in the town centre as building blocks around which other businesses would be established.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.