Town centres in focus

One of the region’s MSPs is heading up an investigation into the challenges facing Scotland’s town centres, which she says“are under threat”due to the continued growth of online shopping and ecommerce.

The Economy and Fair Work Committee, convened by Mid Scotland and Fife Labour MSP Claire Baker, is looking to identify the current challenges on local high streets and aims to propose action needed to support modern and thriving town centres.

The committee’s inquiry has three areas of focus, including‘Keeping town centres alive’– which is to look at how they have changed over recent years, their strengths and weaknesses, and who or what can drive positive change in Scottish town centres.

The second is‘New realities of Scottish retail’– which will include how this sector has evolved over the last decade, the impact of these changes on town centres and what role fiscal policy levers should have in supporting this sector.

And the third is‘Ecommerce in Scotland’, which will focus on including the implications for businesses of increased online shopping and digital activity, and the role of Scottish SMEs in the ecommerce sector.

Speaking as the inquiry was launched, Ms Baker said:“Scotland’s town centres have traditionally been the heartbeat of our communities bringing people together to live, work, shop and socialise.

“However, traditional town centres are under pressure and under threat, with too many shops closing and too many high streets dominated by‘to let’signs.

“Changing retail trends, including the growth in ecommerce and the expansion of retail park alternatives, combined with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, continues to create a difficult trading environment.”

Committee convener Ms Baker continued:“We want to find out how to diversify and grow high street activity, and are particularly keen to hear from businesses and members of the public on what makes a successful and thriving town centre.

“Our inquiry is seeking to bring forward recommendations to demonstrate how Scotland’s town centres can thrive in this post pandemic world, and be vibrant, resilient and accessible places which meet the economic, social and environmental needs of our communities.”

Residents can give their views at https://yourviews.parliament.scot/ efw/towncentres.

The deadline for feedback is March 16.