Bristol businesses are being asked to contribute to an action plan aimed at making the city’s local high streets vibrant and diverse places to visit.
The City Council’s Sustainable Development and Transport Scrutiny Commission will make proposals once it has listened to the views of businesses and the public at a day-long inquiry early next month.
High streets are under more pressure than ever before from a combination of intense competition from supermarkets, internet shopping and lifestyle changes. But they can also offer vibrant alternatives to the city’s main shopping areas with a wider choice of shops that are more in tune with the needs of local people.
Chair of the commission cllr Mark Bradshaw said: “Retail is a major component in our city’s economy and is crucial for access to food and other goods and services. The commission will welcome people’s views on the high streets they use, what they like about them and what can be done to improve them.”
Cathy Parker, professor of marketing & retail enterprise at Manchester Metropolitan University, has been invited to chair the public inquiry from 9.30am at the Council House on Friday, November 11.
She said: “Issues impacting our high streets are in increasing focus nationally. It is good that Bristol City Council is taking a lead through conducting this Inquiry. I look forward to hearing about Bristol’s current initiatives and helping shape its future plans to support the city’s diverse high streets.”
Phil Haughton of the Better Food Company and Ken Simpson of Make More Margin, representing the Federation of Small Businesses, Gloucestershire & West of England Region, will speak during the inquiry.
Any business or individual interested in taking part in the debate can answer questionnaires on the Askbristol website – see http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/highstreetsurvey, or for businesses – www.surveymonkey.com/s/highstreetbusiness. They can also write to Siân Parry, UO2/04, The Council House, College Green Bristol BS1 5TR.
The inquiry will be webcast live on the council’s website – www.bristol.gov.uk/webcast – or can be followed on Twitter using #brishighstreet.
