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Report of the Chairman of the Town Centre Summit

Held at Northampton’s Guildhall on September 20th 2013

Note – for ease of navigation, hyperlinks have been inserted throughout this Report and are in italics Report Contents

1. The Purpose of the Summit & The Report 2. Background 3. How the Summit was Organised 4. The Report Structure 5. Contributions, Summaries & Recommendations 6. Conclusions & General Recommendations 7. Acknowledgements 8. Appendix

1. Purpose of the Summit and its Report

1.1 To identify and articulate the views of the Stakeholders* and Partners** of Northampton’s

Town Centre, with regard to -

(a) aspects of the Town Centre which require improvement (b) proposals for effecting improvement

* ‘Stakeholders’ are defined as those who visit, live in or work in Northampton’s Town Centre

** ‘Partners’ are defined as those who have a role in the administration or maintenance of life of the Town Centre.

1.2 To offer recommendations in response to the issues raised at the Summit.

2. Background

2.1 On 17th July 2013 Northampton Borough Council’s Cabinet reaffirmed the Town Centre as a major strategic priority and agreed to add it as an improvement project to Northampton Alive, the Council’s regeneration programme.

2.2 NBC’s Cabinet proposed that the council host a Town Centre Summit, on 20th September 2013, chaired by Stephen Church, with the purpose of involving partners and stakeholders in shaping the Town Centre’s future.

2.3 Following the Summit, the Chairman would produce a report articulating and summarising the views of the contributors, as well as offering recommendations arising from those views.

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2.4 NBC’s Cabinet also agreed to appoint a Town Team, comprising senior politicians and local organisation leaders, whose purpose is to push forward the agreed recommendations and to constantly monitor and re-evaluate their progress.

3. How the Summit was Organised 3.1 The Summit Panel comprises Stephen Church (Chair), Sue Roberts (Chair of Northampton BID),

advised by Julie Seddon (Northampton Borough Council – Director of Customers and Communities).

3.2 Contributors were invited as follows –

(a) Through a series of Media Releases and local radio features, the public were invited to email their views to the Summit Chairman. Numerous contributions were received.

(b) Invitations were issued to 16 key ‘stakeholders’ (businesses, representatives of specific business sectors, representatives of key agencies) and ‘organisations’ to make contributions in private to the panel. This session took place during the morning of the Summit. 10 minutes were allotted for each contribution. Each contributor was also invited to present written submissions.

(c) Invitations were made by letter to each member of Northampton’s BID* to attend a three hour open ‘forum’, during which attendees made individual points to the ‘floor’. Debate was encouraged.

3.3 Minutes and ‘action notes’ were taken at both the morning and afternoon sessions. *Important Note – throughout this report reference is made to the Northampton BID – Business Improvement District. The BID is a self-governing body comprising businesses who use monies raised through the rating system to fund projects beneficial to the business life of the Town Centre

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The Report Structure

4.1 This report is divided into the following Sections and Sub-sections – Environment Street Cleaning Waste Disposal / Collection

Anti-social Behaviour Other Environmental Issues

Car Parking Retail Empty Retail Units Business Rates

Other Retail Issues Culture Innovation The Night-Time Economy The Market Square Abington Street Police / Crime Promotion / Marketing of the Town Centre Festivals and Fairs Administration Miscellaneous Issues Commendations 4.2 Each section or sub-section lists the views expressed by the Summit contributors. These views

were expressed by the contributors and must not be interpreted as the views of the Summit Panel. Each sub-section or section is followed by a SUMMARY in which the individual contributions are summarised and, where appropriate RECOMMENDATIONS where the Summit Panel suggest ideas to resolve the issues raised.

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5. CONTRIBUTIONS, SUMMARIES & RECOMMENDATIONS 5.1 ENVIRONMENT

5.1.1 Street Cleaning 5.1.1.1 Contributor Views – Alleyways, e.g. Drum Lane, suffer particularly from neglect Fish Street always appears to be neglected and dirty The cleaning of Abington Street should be carried out, not only in the morning, but in the afternoon too The cleaning of Abington Street is particularly poor. Grosvenor Centre staff have taken to cleaning the area outside the shopping centre themselves Streetlamps need to be better maintained / cleaned A system of reporting should be put in place whereby cleaning inadequacies can be reported and dealt with swiftly EMS (Enterprise Management Services, the company contracted to manage waste collection and cleaning in the Town Centre) needs to establish and maintain links with Planning Services and other Agencies regarding change in Town Centre usage e.g. the migration of footfall from Abington Street to near the Guildhall as well as the changes to both day time and night time economy. 5.1.1.2 SUMMARY - There is widespread feeling that standards of cleanliness in the Town Centre fall well short of what is acceptable, resulting in a negative impression for first-time and regular visitors alike. Specific areas of neglect include alleyways, Abington Street, and Fish Street. Streetlamps also are in need of more regular cleaning.

5.1.1.3 RECOMMENDATIONS – (a) To initiate a 'hotline' via which areas in need of urgent cleaning can be

reported and speedily dealt with. (b) To focus cleaning resources onto key areas - specifically from the new bus

station to the Market Square and the Drapery, Abington Street, Fish Street and alleyways.

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5.1.2 Waste Disposal / Collection 5.1.2.1 Contributor Views - Street Bins need to be upgraded and to be emptied more regularly Enterprise Management Services will be doing more to encourage recycling with a series of publicity campaigns Around 150 communal bins (140 litres in size) are being installed in communal areas. Waste Collection should be reviewed, such that bin bags are not left outside premises for large parts of the day Monuments, Sculptures, Seating, Telephone Kiosks, Bus Stops and Advertising 'Pods' are poorly maintained - dirty and scruffy 5.1.2.2 SUMMARY - The current Town Centre communal bins look scruffy and require upgrading, but this is being addressed by EMS who are installing 150 new bins in communal areas. The sight of bin bags awaiting collection is detrimental to the attractiveness of the Town Centre. 5.1.2.3 RECOMMENDATIONS – The Council should support the BID in encouraging businesses to work with a single Waste Collection Company. This would ensure both less expensive and more co-ordinated waste collection, thus reducing the length of time that bin bags are left in the street.

5.1.3 Anti-social Behaviour 5.1.3.1 Contributor Views - Vandalism is a big problem The presence of gangs of youths is intimidating Beggars & Street Drinkers need to be addressed but caution must be exercised in simply moving them to the edges of the Town Centre Removing Street beggars and Drinkers isn't easy when they are encouraged to come into the town to attend organisations such as C.A.N. (County of Northampton Council on Addiction) and the Job Centre Anti-social Behaviour is not dealt with effectively - agencies should co-ordinate their response The effectiveness of the CCTV operation needs to be reviewed The anti-social behaviour associated with the night-time economy impacts negatively on Town Centre trade 5.1.3.2 SUMMARY - There is a strong perception that beggars, street drinkers and gangs of youths are an intimidating and unpleasant presence in the Town Centre. 5.1.3.3 RECOMMENDATIONS - Institutions such as the Hope Centre should be persuaded to open up 'garden areas' for drinkers and should also be persuaded to operate in the evenings and at night.

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5.1.4 Other Environmental Issues 5.1.4.1 Contributor Views - Pavements are often uneven The 'app' for reporting fly-tipping should be more widely publicised Signage & Street Furniture should be renewed or improved A-Boards proliferate and are detrimental to the appearance of the Town Centre - are they monitored? Location maps are inadequate in quantity and quality. Local businesses should be encouraged to sponsor smart new maps A visit to the Town Centre needs to be an experience that is safe and straightforward without pressure. Customers want the time to browse. The Town Centre does need to appear 'friendly' for pedestrians and cyclists Businesses should be held responsible for the upkeep of the front of their premises Road markings are faded and ineffective. They need to be upgraded The Green Travel Plan needs to be re-thought, especially with the possible introduction of ‘Boris Bikes’. This cannot work if cycling is banned down Abington Street; need to introduce dedicated cycle lanes around and leading into town. The gardens behind Gold Street Mews need to be better maintained, as they will form a significant part of the route between the Train Station and the new Bus Station 5.1.4.2 RECOMMENDATIONS - Each of the issues should be examined and reviewed. A clear response should be made to each one.

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5.2 CAR PARKING 5.2.1 Contributor Views - Car Parks (stairwells, lifts, entrances and exits) need to be much better presented and maintained - cleaner and better lit More central car parking needed Car Parking should be charged on a pay-as-you-exit basis, thus relieving pressure to rush back to the car. A simplified and reduced tariff system e.g. an hourly rate Parking should be free or at least cheaper - or free for certain periods e.g. after 3.00 pm, thus encouraging families to use the Town Centre after school The free parking trial was commended, but should be repeated for a longer period e.g. 12 months so as to assess its effectiveness across the full trading 'cycle'. Half-price parking should be offered on Tuesdays Car Parking could be charged at £1 per hour and evenings should be free, for example, no charge after 4pm and no charge up to 10am. Tariffs should be displayed at Car Park entrances The town should be marketed as the Midlands' / UK's cheapest parking New parking initiatives should be better publicised than in the past. Concern was expressed at the draconian manner of street parking enforcement The introduction of evening car parking has adversely affected the evening restaurant trade 5.2.2 SUMMARY - There is an overwhelming view that both the cost and availability of Car Parking along with the maintenance of Car Park ancillary areas (lighting, stairwells etc.) is the most damaging issue affecting Town Centre footfall (for Footfall and Car Parking Statistics, see Appendix 8.1). 5.2.3 RECOMMENDATIONS – (a) Car Parking Charges - although temporary free parking periods have been tried and should be welcomed, their effectiveness over a short period is difficult to measure. The bold step should be taken to offer Free Car Parking for a sustained period - a minimum of three months. Care should be taken to monitor the impact on both council revenue and visitor numbers. The panel welcomes the announcement that, from 2014, parking is to be free on Saturdays and free for 2 hours of every weekday. (b) A review of Town Centre parking should take place to examine the possibility of providing more parking spaces as close to the Town Centre as possible. (c) Efforts should be made to keep Car Parks and ancillary areas clean, well lit and well maintained.

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5.3 RETAIL

5.3.1 Empty Retail Units 5.3.1.1 Contributor Views - The demand for rentals, together with rental values, has declined and continues to decline, especially in the Grosvenor Centre and Abington Street. There are around 60 vacant retail units within the inner ring road. The average void period is 1.5 years. Pop-up shops should be encouraged Every effort should be made to attract retailers to the town, with an emphasis on the correct mix between national chains and local independents Inspire Northampton has been instrumental in helping to fill empty retail units - 6 units have been filled to date and are still trading. The BID funds grants of (typically) £1000 to assist in the establishment of such shops Empty retail units are a major disincentive for attracting shoppers It was suggested that a Landlord’s Register should be established detailing vacant properties A shop-front policy should be considered Landlords should be held accountable for the condition and repair of their properties Vacant properties should have window vinyls applied, thus enhancing the street scene and be aesthetically pleasing. A shop front awareness campaign should be started with retailers being charged with keeping their shop-fronts in a presentable condition. Empty shop frontages should be used for promotional activity. For example, to display students’ art work, promote local businesses or initiatives, such as free parking and the display of heritage artefacts. Derby City Centre applied successfully for lottery funding. This, in partnership with property investors, has resulted in the number of empty shops dropping from over 80 down to 20. Care must be taken to keep Car Parking charges for retail tenants at an affordable level. 5.3.1.2 SUMMARY - Poorly maintained shop fronts along with empty retail units are unattractive and contribute to a perception of a failing local economy. (Figures for empty retail units can be found in the Appendix 8.1.4) 5.3.1.3 RECOMMENDATIONS – (a) ‘Inspire Northampton’ through the Town Centre BID have assisted a number of small retail businesses to set up in empty retail units. This approach should be encouraged through consultation with 'Pop-Up Britain' (see Appendix 8.2.2). (b) A Shop Front Policy should be introduced to include (i) the application of vinyls to the windows of empty shops should be strongly encouraged by the Council with vinyls provided and funded jointly by the BID and the Council (ii) The Council should be firm in holding Landlords/Retailers responsible for maintaining shop fronts. (c) Innovative alternative uses could be found for empty retail units, such as the establishment of Study Centres for local schools. They could be used as a 'base' for school visits, providing educational, exhibition, toilet and refreshment facilities.

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(d) Following the example of Derby City Council, external funding (e.g. the National Lottery or funding arising from the Mary Portas Review) should be sought to address the issue of empty retail units.

5.3.2 Business Rates 5.3.2.1 Contributor Views - There is an urgent need for more assistance for independent retailers e.g. Business Rate 'holidays' or reductions. Business Rates are excessive and should be reduced. Northampton Borough Council should lobby Westminster regarding rateable value Pressure should be brought to bear on central Government to reverse its decision to review business rates in 2015 rather than 2017. 5.3.2.2 SUMMARY - Business Rates are at unsustainable level and are critically damaging to both the viability of current businesses and the prospects of attracting new businesses to the Town Centre. 5.3.2.1 RECOMMENDATIONS - Central Government should be vigorously lobbied to seek a way of alleviating the pressures caused by excessive Business Rates.

5.3.3 Other Retail Issues 5.3.3.1 Contributor Views - High quality stores need to be attracted to the Town Centre Proprietors of eateries could work together regarding the offer of dining in the town so that it is more diverse, for example, Thai food, street foods, and a street festival promoting a town that welcomes a varied food culture. There is an over-proliferation of restaurants/cafes. An improved retail mix is required to draw people into the town Late night shopping should be more actively encouraged and promoted More effective communication between retailers should be encouraged The current difficulties for retailers might be alleviated by re-inventing the shopping 'experience' e.g. encouraging late night shopping An external consultation should take place (e.g. St. Albans & Solihull) regarding the Northampton retail experience in general 5.3.3.2 RECOMMENDATIONS - Each of the issues should be examined and reviewed. A clear response should be made to each one.

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5.4 CULTURE 5.4.1 Contributor Views - Cultural aspects of the Town Centre need to be recognised. Culture and its consumption have a crucial role to play in improving people's lives and can be a key driver for change, although cultural 'consumption' alone isn't enough. The Cultural Quarter needs to be developed also as a base for cultural and creative industries. Shops, galleries, theatres etc. all attract different people to the Town Centre, thus providing a mixed economy. The Cultural Forum will assist with developing a shared vision for the cultural area of the town. With the University moving into town, an Arts Faculty should be established in the Cultural Quarter 5.4.2 SUMMARY - The development as a Cultural Quarter of the area bounded by Derngate and Victoria Promenade is being increasingly recognised as a success. 5.4.3 RECOMMENDATIONS - Every effort should be made to facilitate the expansion and development of the cultural life of the Town Centre.

5.5 INNOVATION 5.5.1 Contributor Views - There should be more innovation and design with new buildings in the Town Centre rather than “off the shelf” office blocks. The Abington Street Project of 2000 (specifically the introduction of trams) should be looked at again The Francis Crick Sculpture should be relocated to the University Campus A free-to-use carousel should be co-funded by the Borough Council and the BID. Abington Street would be the preferred location. The area in front of All Saints Church should be developed as a piazza in the style of Covent Garden. X-Factor type competitions with buskers could be held in this area. New buildings shouldn't be 'all-glass' affairs. They should be architecturally sympathetic to the current architecture. Surveys should be conducted to discover what is required by visitors/shoppers. Such surveys could be distributed on trains leaving the town. Introduce sustainable, green transport into the town A substantial fountain should be installed at the heart of the Market Square, forming a major attraction for visitors Encourage rented accommodation above Town Centre shops 5.5.2 SUMMARY - There are diverse views as to how the Town Centre architecture and spaces should be developed, so as to render it more attractive. 5.5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS - There will always be conflicting views as to the most desirable approach to new buildings and the use of public spaces. It is rare that any development will receive universal approval. For Northampton's Town Centre to be a place in which

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people wish to visit, work or live, there should be an emphasis on innovation. There needs to be inclusive public debate and consultation whereby bold, innovative proposals for new buildings, installations and the use of public spaces are encouraged.

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5.6 THE NIGHT-TIME ECONOMY 5.6.1 Contributor Views - The night-time economy represents 1/5 of Northampton's total trade There is a need to promote Northampton as enjoying a safe, friendly and vibrant night-time economy. Problem drinkers represent a tiny fraction of Northampton's night-life. Yet, it receives a disproportionate amount of media and public focus. Problem drinking is caused by 'pre-loading' at home before coming into town. The average night-time spend is £10 per person - not enough to become intoxicated. The police are to be commended for the swift and professional way in which Officers deal with intoxicated people. Door staff deny entry to intoxicated revellers and work with the Police, identifying those who should vacate the Town Centre. In spite of the efforts of the Police and CCTV operatives, there are insufficient resources to guarantee control of intoxicated revellers. A stronger Police presence in the Town Centre would make the town 'feel' safer Negative anti-social aspects of the night-time economy have adversely affected the Town Centre restaurant trade 5.6.2 SUMMARY - The night-time economy is a vital part of the commercial and social life of Town Centre. However, there is a perception that drink-induced anti-social behaviour is detrimental to the overall appeal of the Town Centre as a place to visit in the evenings. 5.6.3 RECOMMENDATIONS - An independent review should be set up to examine all aspects of the night-time economy – its economic benefits and its impact on the environment. Subsequently, regular consultation should take place between the Community Safety Partnership, PubWatch, the BID and the Northamptonshire Police & Crime Commissioner.

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5.7 THE MARKET SQUARE 5.7.1 Contributor Views - The re-design of the Market Square has failed to re-vitalised the area. The Market Square should be re-designed as a 'cruciform' - see John Sheinman's addendum Market trade is difficult because of year-on-year decline in footfall, itself caused partly by poor selection of shops New traders should be encouraged to join the market by offering them free rent for a trial period. The principal of only two stalls per trade-type should be relaxed Leaflets promoting the market have also been distributed in the Town Centre. There has been a 25% reduction in market stall rents A new initiative is being explored whereby stalls vacant at 9am, can be used for display by the adjacent Market Trader free of charge Engagement and dialogue with the Council has improved recently Discussions are also taking place regarding the presentation of stalls and dress code of Market Traders. Market Traders are generally open to the idea of establishing Market Stalls at the bottom of Abington Street 5.7.2 SUMMARY - In spite of a series of initiatives, trade for many stall holders continues to decline. (Market Square footfall statistics can be found in the Appendix 8.1.2) 5.7.3 RECOMMENDATIONS – The Council should constantly be receptive to new and radical proposals for improving the layout and running of the Market Square.

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5.8 ABINGTON STREET 5.8.1 Contributor Views - The partial de-pedestrianisation of Abington Street is to be commended. Using the area as a pick-up / drop-off facility would be beneficial There is no support from either tenants or landlords for de-pedestrianisation. Accessibility and visibility will be severely hampered There was considerable concern over the decision to de-pedestrianise part of Abington Street. There has been insufficient consultation. What are the costs? What are the alternatives? Pedestrianised areas are always more commercially successful Abington Street should be opened up to traffic in its entirety 5.8.2 SUMMARY - The de-pedestrianising of part of the top end of Abington Street has proved controversial. There are strong feelings both for and against. 5.8.3 RECOMMENDATIONS - Major projects, such as the de-pedestrianisation of Abington Street, should be subject to wide and meaningful public consultation.

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5.9 POLICE / CRIME 5.9.1 Contributor Views - Various Agencies have been working for a number of years, particularly through the Town Centre Task Group, Northampton Retail Crime Initiative, CCTV radio system in the Town Centre, Northampton PubWatch and the Northampton BID. Shop Managers are inconsistent in their call upon police time, sometimes calling police out for relatively minor offences. The work of the police needs to be better co-ordinated BID Rangers are volunteers. Their effectiveness needs to be re-assessed. Public perception of anti-social behaviour in the Town Centre is a weakness. For example, a group of ten young people not doing anything wrong can often be perceived by older people as anti-social behaviour. Shop Managers/owners have the power to refuse entrance to their shops and there is a need for retailers to take ownership. The Police will provide back up if required. The sculpture outside the Grosvenor Centre should be re-designed so as to discourage seating. With further cuts in police funding threatened, a clear idea needs to be formulated regarding precisely what is expected of the service The policy of allowing licensed premises to remain open until 4.00 or 5.00 am needs to be reviewed. This puts great strain on Police resources. The idea of a dedicated area for street drinkers is undesirable, but, if deemed necessary, then the old Night Shelter would be adequate Police work is inclined to lack co-ordination. There is too much focus on shop-lifting, not enough on anti-social behaviour. Police attendance is unreliable. A stronger presence of police, Town Centre rangers or PCCOs would make the town feel safer 5.9.2 SUMMARY - There is a perception amongst local businesses that Town Centre police provision is unreliable. There are diverse views as to whether the main focus of Town Centre officers should be on shop-lifting or anti-social behaviour. The Police are of the view that their effectiveness is hampered by (a) public perception of what constitutes threatening behaviour (b) a reluctance on the part of business owners to deal with minor offences (c) excessively late licensing hours (d) a lack of provision for street drinkers. 5.9.3 RECOMMENDATIONS - Regular consultation regarding Town Centre policing should take place between key partners and stakeholders, such as the BID and the Police.

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5.10 PROMOTION / MARKETING OF THE TOWN CENTRE 5.10.1 Contributor Views - Using co-ordinated strategies across all agencies, the town should imaginatively re- invent and promote itself Education/Marketing - more use should be made of social media to engage with young people Further encouragement should be given to schools to promote the heritage of the Town Centre English Heritage are able to offer 'low-level' education for schools It is important to attract people of all age groups with disposal incomes to the town. There is a need to attract customers from the outer villages to visit the town. The local authority must work with English Heritage to examine the social impact of urban re-generation Northampton's heritage needs to be promoted more aggressively to both potential and actual visitors The town needs an identity. Northampton is the county town and should build upon its heritage. Sponsorship for many initiatives should be encouraged. As the private rental sector expands, efforts should be made to attract inward corporate investment Love Northampton should be better funded by the Borough Council 5.10.2 SUMMARY - The benefits of investing in and visiting Northampton's Town Centre should be promoted via education and marketing. 5.10.3 RECOMMENDATIONS – (a) Vigorous and innovative marketing campaigns should be devised to encourage both visitors and investors. (b) Education – Innovative uses could be found for empty retail units, such as the establishment of Study Centres for local schools. They could be used as a 'base' for school visits, providing educational, exhibition, toilet and refreshment facilities.

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5.11 FESTIVALS AND FAIRS 5.11.1 Contributor Views - The Northampton Street Fair is detrimental to retail trade - equipment and generators obscure shop fronts. Such events should take place in open spaces e.g. the car park outside the Magistrates Court. General agreement that October half-term is the best time. There was some (though not unanimous) feeling that the Market Square would be the best venue. Street Fairs should be held more often, but should be smaller in scale and better managed The Carnival - Concern expressed over road closure timing. The road is closed from 8.30 a.m. but the Carnival doesn't start until 2.30 p.m. The carnival should revert to being an evening event Acknowledgment that street 'events' are important, but must be better controlled with greater consideration given to the effect on retail activity The annual musical festival was universally praised 5.11.2 SUMMARY - Views are divided on the desirability of Street Fairs and the Carnival, although there is general agreement that they need to be better managed, with greater consideration given to the impact on retailers. 5.11.2 RECOMMENDATIONS - The BID should be consulted as part of the process of establishing street 'events'.

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5.12 ADMINISTRATION 5.12.1 Contributor Views - Local bodies or agencies, such as Northampton Borough Council, Northamptonshire County Council, the Highways Agency, Love Northampton, Northampton BID and English Heritage need to work together more closely New initiatives should be maintained in an organised and co-ordinated fashion The council needs to be more pro-active in addressing issues Town Centre Advisory Panel or Task Group - It was suggested that this should be set up as an independent body to co-ordinate the work of a variety or agencies and bodies. The Group would manage medium and long-term change, retaining its powers regardless of the political 'colours' of any current local authority. The Northampton Retail Crime Initiative, who pay for one Police Community Support Officer and the Town Centre Ranger, is sponsored in part by Northampton BID, who should be encouraged to monitor and report back on the effectiveness of their work The Borough Council ask for opinions but do not listen to the answers. Councillors and Executives do not represent the views of the public Historically, Borough Council members are inclined to be uninspired and to discourage transparency. There is a 'lack of skill and understanding', other than in areas such as budget and management 5.12.2 SUMMARY - Progress on developing the Town Centre is hindered by a lack of consultation and co-operation between an excessive number of 'agencies' and organisations. 5.12.3 RECOMMENDATIONS – Greater efforts should be made to identify and clarify the roles in different aspects of town life of Northamptonshire County Council, Northampton Borough Council, Northampton Town Centre BID, Love Northampton, Northampton Alive, Northampton Enterprise Partnership and Northampton Enterprise Zone. The council needs to work with the BID to ensure that its branding and its role are better understood by local businesses and the public alike.

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5.13 MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES 5.13.1 Contributor Views - There is an overwhelming view that improvements to major routes in and out of the Town Centre are critical to improving both the commercial and social well-being of the town. Major routes require upgrading, as do Abington Street and The Drapery It is recommended that Olympic-style 'hosts' are used as Town Centre guides ‘Shop Mobility', currently based in the Mayorhold Car Park, should be re-located more centrally Town Centre Rangers should be re-christened 'Ambassadors' Toilet facilities in the Town Centre are inadequate Grosvenor Centre needs refurbishment Christmas Lights should be purchased second hand from the likes of Oxford Street 5.13.2 RECOMMENDATIONS - Each of the issues identified should be reviewed by the relevant authorities, with serious long-term consideration given to the issue of major routes in and out of the Town Centre.

5.14 COMMENDATIONS 5.14.1 Contributor Views - The Northampton Alive initiative Love Northampton Project Angel Regeneration of The Drapery Moving of the University to the Town Centre The modernisation of the Train Station The proposed move of Nationwide into the Town Centre The new Bus Station The activities of the BID Love Northampton campaigns The Skate Park in Midsummer Meadow has taken many skate-boarders away from the Town Centre, allowing for a more comfortable environment for the general public

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6. CONCLUSIONS AND GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 The overwhelming areas of concern for the majority of the Summit contributors relate to the cleanliness and maintenance of the Town Centre streets, furniture and public spaces along

with the availability and cost of parking. It was also strongly felt that urgent attention should be given to the issues of anti-social behaviour (both day and night-time), development of the Cultural Quarter and arterial access to the Town Centre.

The Summit Panel feels that these concerns are all valid and are deserving of serious consideration by the relevant authorities. Once Cabinet has studied our Report, a meeting should be held with contributors, at which the Leader of the Borough Council should respond to the Report’s recommendations.

6.2 In recent decades, Northampton has suffered from changes in shopping habits, specifically the

advent of online shopping and a growing preference for edge-of-town and out-of-town shopping centres. These have resulted in a sharp decline in footfall (see appendix 8.1) and a consequential fall in the commercial and social vitality of the Town Centre.

A reversal in these shopping habits is most unlikely. Recognition must be given to the fact that

Town Centre retailing will never be the force it was. Without swift, innovative and appropriate action, the commercial and social life of the town will continue to decline. However, Northampton does have the bedrock on which a revival can be founded - a strong heritage, low unemployment, a vibrant multi-cultural population, a University earning increasing international recognition as a centre of academic excellence, a local economy able to attract inward investment and a hard-working and enterprising business community.

It should be noted that positive steps have been already taken by the two most recent

administrations to address the issues facing the Town Centre. However, much more needs to be done if the social and business life of Northampton’s Town Centre are to be revived.

6.3 To bring about a revival in the fortunes of Northampton, a fundamental and original approach

is required, akin to the post-war restructuring of many of Britain’s towns and cities – 6.3.1 The first step is to acknowledge that retail can no longer be the sole way of

attracting visitors. The Town Centre must be a place where people come to live, to work, to dine, to meet friends, to visit the Doctor, to attend the community centre, go to the cinema, visit a gallery, go to school and shop.

6.3.2 There needs to be a fundamental change in our thinking and approach

towards the challenges faced by our Town Centre. The following recently published report is professionally researched and should be used as a template for action -

Beyond Retail – Re-defining the Shape and Purpose of Town Centres published by the Distressed Town Centres Taskforce (see appendix).

6.3.3 ‘Beyond Retail’s recommendations include steps to attract funding for major

infrastructure projects, plans to facilitate compulsory purchase of land and property in Town Centres, as well as the relaxing of planning regulations for change of retail use.

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6.3.4 The Panel is agreed that all developments should be carried out with a firm commitment to sensitive consideration of Northampton’s architectural heritage.

6.3.5 All projects should be carried out with clear leadership and in a determined

and coordinated manner – all within a clear framework of achievable medium and long term targets.

6.3.6 Greater efforts should be made by the Council to communicate to both businesses and the public the roles in Town Centre life of different organisations. With more knowledge of which body is responsible for which aspects of local life, there will be more likelihood of engagement and involvement in Town Centre affairs.

7. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to express my gratitude to my fellow Summit Panel Members for their support, contributions and advice. I should also like to thank the Contributors for their time and effort in

submitting their views. Thanks too for secretarial and organisational support given by Luke Bridgeford, Vivianne Bicknell, Derrick Simpson, Caroline Burke, Doris Schierer, Deborah Denton, Emma Garatt and Tracy Tiff.

Stephen Church Chair of the Town Centre Summit

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8. APPENDIX

8.1 Town Centre Statistics 8.1.1 Abington Street Footfall 2008 – 2012 2008 11,315,023 2009 10,423,522 2010 11,303,809 2011 10,845,992 2012 10,050,026 8.1.2 Market Square Footfall 2010 – 2012 2010 4,670,066 2011 4,725,315 2012 4,741,195 These footfall figures are obtained via the Springboard camera monitoring

system. Springboard rate their data capture reliability to be within +/- 5%. 8.1.3 Car Park Usage 2007 – 2013 (April – March) 2007/08 2,019,513 2008/09 1,783,908 2009/10 1,673,057 2010/11 1,658,646 2011/12 1,954,172* 2012/13 2,057,212* *The car park figures for the last 2 years exclude Sunday parking which has

been free during this period. Consequently, no data is available. 8.1.4 Empty Retail Units – 2008 - 2013 Total number of retail premises = 630 Jan 2008 42 6.7% Mar 2009 80 12.7% Apr 2010 66 10.5% Apr 2011 55 8.7% Mar 2012 77 12.2% Apr 2013 88 13.9% The figures relate to 21 of the town centre streets and cover the main retail

areas such as Abington Street, St Giles Street, Grosvenor centre, Market Walk, St Peters Way, Gold Street, Derngate etc)

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8.2 Further Information & Web Links Click on the italicised text to visit the relevant website

Beyond Retail – Re-defining the Shape and Purpose of Town Centres

published by the Distressed Town Centres Taskforce. The report can be downloaded free of charge from this website

The Portas Review – a Review carried out by Mary Portas, following which funds were made available by central government to assist the revival of Town Centres

Northampton With Vision – a website maintained by John

Sheinman, designed to ‘stimulate the thoughts and actions that could make Northampton a destination attractive to visitors once again’.

Pop-Up Shops. There is a national organisation, Pop-Up

Britain, which gives advice and support to ‘Pop-Up’ initiatives. Northampton Borough Council Northamptonshire County Council

Northampton Business Improvement District (BID) - a self-governing body comprising businesses who use monies raised through the rating system to fund projects beneficial to the business life of the Town Centre

CAN – County of Northampton Council on Addiction The Hope Centre – giving support to the Homeless and Socially

Disadvantaged Pub-Watch Northampton – representing Pubs and Clubs and other

night-time venues Northampton Community Safety Partnership – a group drawn

together from the public and voluntary sectors with the aim of maintaining Northampton as a safe place to visit or in which to live or work

Northamptonshire Police & Crime Commissioner (NPCC) – the elected

representative charged with securing efficient and effective policing Love Northampton – a website established and maintained by local

bodies with the aim of promoting Northampton as a centre for shops, for cultural events and for business

Northampton Alive – part of the Northampton Enterprise Zone

responsible for regeneration projects, creating a positive economic impact for new and existing businesses, landowners and residents.

Northampton Enterprise Partnership – its aims are to support the

creation of better quality private sector jobs for Northamptonshire