Sheffield one of the most 'at risk' shopping areas in UK

[GodStar 10]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17478331

 

So we're in the top ten of the most likely to be badly affected by more shop closures whatever that means. So, how can the council try too revitalise the town centre?

 

The problem is people increasingly use the internet for shopping to the detriment of shopping areas. The shopping environment has to be made as enjoyable as possible so people will still visit the shops as a leisure experience / something to do on a Saturday.

So-

Relax restrictions on what shops can be used for. If its a use that will add to the general atmosphere let it happen. Let a shop be used as a cafe / bar / entertainment venue etc if there is no demand for it from a retailer

Ban chuggers

Move the beggars on

Get bands playing

Kids activities

Random arty events

Make people feel safe

Make stuff fun

etc etc

Shopping centres should become town centres again where people get together and have fun, socialise and do a bit of shopping if they choose

[L00b 441]

So, how can the council try too revitalise the town centre?

Abdicate?

 

Considering the proportion of public sector jobs the Sheffield high street economy hinges relies upon, and the ongoing cuts to same, really this "top 10" position should come as no surprise. The same can be said of the other 9 locations, for the exact same reason. Cause <-> effect and all that, entirely predictable months ago.

 

...But that's just compounding the abysmal track record of the City about hyper-center regeneration and development, really.

 

As someone posted on another thread recently, there's a reason most filming of 'bleak' TV/movie dramas happens on Sheffield streets - increasingly so.

 

The mayor of the French city I'm originally from did 'something' back in the early 90s, in similar circumstances. He hired an extra 3 or 4 guys, bought them a dedicated 'bowser' flatbed and a few industrial karchers, and set them on cleaning every last house house, building and block of flats, starting right outside the townhall and radiating out. It took them nearly 10 years to do the whole city, but what a transformation - the whole town center felt completely different, invigorated, rejuvenated, within months.

Edited March 23, 2012 by L00b

[Ousetunes 10]

Make the roads through and around town accessible to motorists - draw up a brand new masterplan if necessary - and then consider free on street parking.

 

Offer new businesses free business rates for a year. Then at half rate for next four years.

 

Implement a Sheffield City Centre discount card scheme with all retailers giving a discount to card members.

 

Do something, anything with The Moor. It's a disgrace.

[Olive 10]

I like your ideas.

 

I was saying something similar just now on a different post - the town centre can't continue in its current form. It needs to offer something that Meadowhall and internet shopping don't.

[Dragonfall 10]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17478331So we're in the top ten of the most likely to be badly affected by more shop closures whatever that means.

 

It's probably impossible to revitalise a down-market shopping area (that is Sheffield city centre) during a recession. The thing is, many of our rival cities got on with their developments before it all kicked-off, & it seems when you've already got a decent modern shopping centre built (the Bullring in Birmingham, for example) people will continue to use it & spend money there - even through a recession.

 

I think the reason Sheffield's on the list is that it's got very little to offer in the town centre, shopping-wise - & the continual closing of stores has a knock-on effect - it becomes a cycle: less stores, less people visting, more closures etc ...

[frededwards 10]

The key issue facing Sheffield city centre is that it, like the rest of the city, is clearly designed to be a hostile environment for motorists.

 

Relentless traffic lights, ludicrous one-way systems and baffling tram gates are compounded by extortionate parking charges.

 

No wonder it’s dying a lingering death.

[rickiethecat 10]

Make the roads through and around town accessible to motorists - draw up a brand new masterplan if necessary - and then consider free on street parking.

 

 

No one needs a car to get to the city centre. The roads are clogged up enough with motorists making unnecessary journeys without encouraging them.

 

I'd like to see the council taking a tougher stance on out of town shopping developments that take trade away from the city centre. They could reject such planning developments and where they already exist introduce disincentives such as expensive road pricing and higher business rates.

[GodStar 10]

It's probably impossible to revitalise a down-market shopping area (that is Sheffield city centre) during a recession. The thing is, many of our rival cities got on with their developments before it all kicked-off, & it seems when you've already got a decent modern shopping centre built (the Bullring in Birmingham, for example) people will continue to use it & spend money there - even through a recession.

 

I think the reason Sheffield's on the list is that it's got very little to offer in the town centre, shopping-wise - & the continual closing of stores has a knock-on effect - it becomes a cycle: less stores, less people visting, more closures etc ...

 

I think youre right and this is my point. We cant re-create a vibrant shopping centre because the world has moved on. We need to take a different direction. A lot of Sheffield city centre is very nice to be fair but will never be a booming shopping area again so start to move towards it becoming a vibrant socialising hub.

 

A few Bullrings / Meadowhalls will continue to work as there will always be fans of 'hardcore shopping' but the secondary shopping areas like Sheffield city centre need to find other things to do with themselves IMO before they degenerate into no-go zones

[sid63 10]

The key issue facing Sheffield city centre is that it, like the rest of the city, is clearly designed to be a hostile environment for motorists.

 

Relentless traffic lights, ludicrous one-way systems and baffling tram gates are compounded by extortionate parking charges.

 

No wonder it’s dying a lingering death.

 

You can tell they've made a mistake with the road layout ,as when a car/bus/tram breaks down the whole of the city centre can become gridlocked

[biotechpete 10]

Make parking free on evenings and weekends; should go some way to helping. I don't think anyone goes to Meadowhell because they enjoy the experience, it's a nightmare of a place but it's not doing so badly despite the internet trends.

 

Of course, the city centre is at risk mostly due to the inherent problems within our city as a whole not just the centre itself. The city is not generating enough wealth and it's pretty far down the list of places with growth potential too:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/15_03_12experian.pdf

 

I'm not sure it's about regeneration either. They have a pretty nice new shopping centre in Hull - http://www.princes-quay.co.uk/

They are high up the list and the shops there are closing too. The people seem pretty similar though.... poor.

[Dragonfall 10]

... but the secondary shopping areas like Sheffield city centre ...

 

I find it sad & bit perplexing why Sheffield, as one of the largest cities in England, should be regarded as 'secondary'.

[HeadingNorth 11]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17478331

 

So we're in the top ten of the most likely to be badly affected by more shop closures whatever that means. So, how can the council try too revitalise the town centre?

 

Sheffield's shopping area is Meadowhall. Why are you discussing the town centre?