Queen of shops' report welcomed in Newbury

Mary Portas' plans to revamp the high street include supporting a Business Improvement District

RETAIL expert, Mary Portas' plans to revitalise Britain's high streets have been welcomed by the team proposing a Business Improvement District for Newbury.

In her report, Portas includes 28 recommendations to halt the decline of Britain's high streets, which she attributes to the rise of super-malls, out-of-town supermarkets and internet shopping.

According to the report, twenty-five thousand shops have been lost in the UK in the past ten years, and Portas warns more will close as families switch to malls, supermarkets and the internet for shopping.

One of the report's recommendations is that towns should adopt BIDs, a district where each business pays a levy to raise money for projects in order to drive footfall into the town.

Newbury town centre businesses are currently considering whether to adopt a BID which could generate an estimated £1,060,000 over a five year period.

Newbury's BID draft business plan was published last month with the final business plan expected to be produced on February 1, 2012.

“It's very encouraging to see the report emphasises the importance of BIDs and the management of all aspects of town centres,” Newbury BID Manager, Russell Downing said. “Ms Portas' top three recommendations are all BID led projects and many of the other suggestions are included in our business plan. Examples of these are a thriving market scene, accessible, attractive and safe town centre and car parking. We've also been in negotiations with West Berkshire Council to come up with sensible solutions for affordable car parking.”

One of the key findings of the report is that high streets have failed to adapt to shopping trends. Portas recommends that local authorities support town centre planning applications for enterprises such as gyms and creches to draw people to the high street.

She says: “This may sound hopelessly idealistic. But those who see high streets purely as a commercial retail mix need to think again.”

Mr Downing added: “We need to manage our high streets as businesses to deliver the requirements of shoppers in the 21st century. The BID sets out to empower shops and businesses to take control and improve the trading environment with clear accountability.”

Newbury town centre businesses will receive their BID ballot papers by March 29 and have until 5pm on April 30 to vote.

The Government will publish its response to Portas' proposals in early 2012.