Merseyside looks to Yorkshire for tips on shopping

The Leeds-based group, formerly called White Young Green, was appointed by St Helens Council to assess retail offerings ins St Helens and Earlestown town and look at opportunities to boost the areas shopping provision.

The study involves a survey of shoppers and businesses to examine trade patterns and quantify the need for additional facilities.

The survey will combine telephone and street interviews as well as a business survey. The retail study will be used to influence the region’s Local Development Framework.

WYG director Keith Nutter said: “It is well publicised that town centres across the UK are facing tough times ahead. St Helens and Earlsetown town centres in Merseyside are no exception.

“If the council is to plan positively for the future regeneration of the town centres it is imperative that there is a clear understanding of the current strengths and weaknesses of the centres.

“Our expertise in gathering this type of evidence will prove invaluable when forming a strategy which will seek to maximise the benefits of any future investment.

“We will be looking into current shopping, leisure and travel patterns, finding out local people’s views on the town centres: what people like, or how they could be improved, and establishing local businesses views on trading conditions within the town centres.”

The council is keen to ensure Earlestown town centre remains the borough’s second largest retail centre, supporting shopping and leisure opportunities.

Mark Dickens, head of regeneration at St Helens Council, said: “The study will be a vital tool for planning the future development of both St Helens and Earlestown town centres.

“In particular, Earlestown market has been an important focal point for Earlestown town centre for many years, attracting visitors from a wide area. However, the market is not immune to the impacts of the current recession.

“With the extensive experience that WYG holds in planning and the knowledge they bring to the table I am confident in their ability to gain the results we need to start identifying the potential improvements that are required to bring Earlestown back to life.”

WYG has a track record of providing retail planning advice to local authorities.