Shoppers are ready to embrace ‘localism’ insists towns chief
The coronavirus pandemic has encouraged a growing number of shoppers to embrace “localism”.
That’s according to the chief officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership, who says a review of High Streets shows they must seize on the need of people to stay closer to home.
Phil Prentice believes new opportunities will emerge for towns to reinvent themselves as they emerge from the impact of the Covid shutdown.
It follows a review set up by the Scottish Government and chaired by Professor Leigh Sparks at the University of Stirling to review the Town Centre Action Plan.
Mr Prentice has said the review has shown how High Streets such as those in Ayrshire could become more sustainable and inclusive, postpandemic.
It comes as the likes of Ayr town centre find themselves among the hardest hit, with this week’s news that the Kyle Centre will not re-open and anchor store Debenhams going bust in the Ayr Central shopping mall.
But Mr Prentice said: “The publication of this report marks a significant milestone in the mission to make Scotland’s towns and town centres stronger, greener, healthier and fairer places.
“I hope its recommendations prove thoughtprovoking and a significant catalyst for change.
“These should be critical considerations for decision-makers at all levels in shaping a postpandemic Scotland that’s more sustainable and inclusive.
“The pandemic has led to everyone living more of their lives locally.
“By embracing the spirit of localism which has been so important to the last year and acting on the review group’s recommendations, we can build a stronger future which has towns at its heart.”
Among the recommendations from the report was that the role of the town centre should be strengthened by working with the local community to develop town centres, focusing on local accessibility to services.
The group also recommended that the Scottish Government should review nondomestic rates and the possibility of a digital tax.
And they proposed that town centres should continue to be funded with the possibility ot even more cash forthcoming.
Mr Prentice added: “We are beginning to see the unfortunate economic casualties of Covid-19.
“The crisis has undoubtedly accelerated the need for us to reimagine how we best use our town centres to sustain jobs, build community wealth, embrace digital opportunities, tackle climate change and so much more.
“This work must happen at pace. “Scotland is widely recognised for its innovative and progressive work to support its towns.
“There will be great interest across the UK in this report and the actions that follow from it.”