Quality shops ‘key to improving retail business’ in town centre

A study commissioned by Barnsley Council has concluded the town has a “qualitative gap” in terms of choice in the food retailing market and a lack of shops selling other non-food goods like clothes.

But a second piece of work has shown that the town centre area cannot physically sustain any new superstore developments without having a severe impact on its planned new flagship markets scheme.

Instead, consultants have suggested four sites including the current locations of a including a bingo hall and a DIY warehouse, which may be suitable for retail developments which minimise negative effects on the town centre.

Work for the study was carried out in Barnsley town centre last May to update a similar study carried out in 2007, before the economic downturn began to bite and consumer spending levels fell sharply.

Officers said the update was prompted by a number of expressions of interest from major supermarket groups and developers, who had made it clear they had the town in their sights for a new store.

Experts behind the new findings said that despite the recession, Barnsley needed to improve the quality of its shopping experience, to attract shoppers who currently go elsewhere by giving them more variety.

However, they also concluded that because of the small amount of land available in the town centre, and the planned new markets complex which is now scheduled to open in 2015, space was at a premium.

The study will be examined by members of Barnsley Council’s Planning Regulatory Board later this week, and in a report to councillors, officers say the study points out a series of issues for the authority.

Their report says: “The study concluded that the town centre has a ‘qualitative gap’ in terms of choice and provision of main food retailing and a new superstore may make the town more attractive.

“There is also a deficiency in the type and range of other shopping in the town centre, particularly the lack of a major department store. The town needs a greater tange of higher-quality multiple retailers.

“This need should be met through the completion of the Barnsley Markets scheme which will enhance the town’s ability to attract and retain spending from within its own catchemtna and further afield.

“The study also found that the Morrisons store on the edge of the town centre is over-trading. A proposed Lidl store will increase choice in the town centre, particularly for those on restricted incomes.

“But a lack of choice in major food shopping is likely to remain.”

According to officers, because of a lack of development capacity in the town centre, four edge of town sites for new supermarkets have been identified which could help meet the need for better quality.

In their report, officers make clear that the sites, which are currently occupied by other firms and retailers, may not eventually be developed as supermarkets, but have attracted the interest of developers.

The four sites are the current Peel Centre on Harborough Hill Road, the current B&Q site at Stairfoot, a site currently occupied by Gala bingo next to the transport interchange and a site in New Street.

The report adds: “It should be noted that all sites currently contain existing businesses and their inclusion in the studies, although based on developer enquiries, in no way indicates that these organisations wish to cease trading in the borough.

“The Gala bingo site is the most preferable site in terms of retail factors and the sire has an excellent location adjacent to the transport interchange and the Barnsley markets site.

“The study concludes that it will be possible to develop on edge of centre superstore adjacent to Barnsley town centre of approximately 5,000 sq m witout having a significantly adverse impact on the town centre.

“Ideally this store should be developed on the Gala bingo site.

“It is clear from the studies that only one additional edge of centre superstore can be developed in the foreseeable future. Any additional developments are likely to have significantly adverse inpact on the town centre.”

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