Struggles and future of Newbury town centre discussed at Newbury BID Talk of the Town meeting
Town centre businesses are looking at ways to improve Newbury’s high street and deliver more engaging events for the community.
A Talk of the Town meeting last week highlighted the struggles faced by the high street and outlined plans for its future.
Businesses owners met with Newbury Business Improvement District (BID) chairman Warwick Heskins, Kennet Shopping centre manager Richard Farley and UK BIDs CEO Chris Turner on Thursday.
There have been unsuccessful attempts to redevelop the Kennet Shopping centre into flats and retail but Mr Farley confirmed it will remain open until at least January 2025 when new plans will be put forward.
They also discussed a series of exciting events coming to the town for Easter, summer, Hallowe’en and Christmas.
Department store Camp Hopson celebrated this, saying previous events had attracted interest from brands who see Newbury as an attractive town.
General manager Madeline Thompson said: “We have profited very well as a town.
“Brands are looking at this town to be one of the main attractions.”
West Berkshire Council commented on the changing nature of the high street, noting that people don’t want to just shop anymore – they’re seeking an experience.
Ambitious plans for The Wharf were also mentioned.
The timing of Northbrook Street’s closure came into question, with some business owners claiming that passing cars bring in business. Others contested that it was dangerous to have vehicles moving openly on the road alongside pedestrians.
At the moment it is open to cars from 5pm to 10am.
Newbury BID operation manager Alison Drummond noted that this was an issue that has been raised before and said it had become a challenge finding a solution to please all relevant parties.
“There is pressure to keep the high street open,” she said.
She added that this is something West Berkshire Council will be looking at.
Concern was also raised about safety in the town following a break in at Camp Hopson on March 6.
The store was burgled at 1.40am, with the front windows smashed and perfume stolen.
“We have seen an increase in crime,” said Mrs Thompson.
“It’s slightly more violent when we make an arrest, they don’t go down quietly.
“We don’t want chaos. Things got better with the Shop Safe scheme but we need to be aware and we need networking opportunities on keeping the town safe.”
Ms Drummond added: “This is an important point and, nationally, behaviours have changed since Covid.
“It is a national challenge.”
She said Newbury businesses need to build a community strong enough so they have “back up”.
Optometrist Valerie Jerome, who is based on Northbrook Street, said: “We all need to take responsibility for keeping Newbury clean and tidy. If you see a trolley or anything, pick it up or move it. This is our town we need to try to tidy it.
“We need to make this town as beautiful as it can be.”
A number of exciting events are coming to the town centre with an Easter egg hunt kicking off the fun between April 1 and April 16 and an Easter petting zoo on April 6.
An artisan market is coming to the town on March 26 and a vegan market on May 21.
The Christmas light switch-on will be held on November 18.
A summer series of events and Hallowe’en events are to be announced.
