Teamslook atfuture ofStirling
Stirling Council officials say changing consumer preferences, online shopping and decentralisation of city centre attractions, reduced disposable income, changing demographics and growth in business overheads have led to a challenging environment for traders across Scotland.
But they said teams had been established to focus on the city centre.
The City Centre BID (business improvement district) had been established, a one-year action plan approved and relationships with other agencies and businesses had been developed, resulting in “an energising effect” on the city centre in past 12 months.
The action plan covers issues including safety, environment, business support and destination marketing and a new city centre forum.
Another team is looking at what city and town centres will look like in 10-15 years to development of Stirling city centre, focusing on “driving change rather than managing decline”.
The officers’ report added: “This report is looking at innovation and leading practice from all over the world and will provide strong recommendations for council and public partners to consider.
“The report is expected to be completed by the end of 2018 and will be discussed with the convener and vice-convener of finance and economy with a view to a paper coming forward in 2019.”
Any rates relief scheme would have to be fully funded by the council.