Town Centre Vitality

Town centre vitality is a hot topic

 
There is no doubt that across the UK town centres have been badly affected as consumers cut back on spending and have become more bargain-conscious which has squeezed retailer margins.  Secondly, market towns also tend to have a high proportion of family-run independent businesses which are at greater risk during recessions because of their limited 'buying power' compared with the multiples. Thirdly, high profile casualties such as Woolworths and Adams have left large vacant properties in many cities and market towns across the country.  This tends to have a much greater impact on market towns because it can take longer for these large properties to be re-let and there are often fewer alternatives to replace them.
 
Our economic development team are undertaking research to measure and monitor the health and vitality of the town centres in Abingdon, Faringdon and Wantage.  The good news is that average vacancy rates across the Vale's 3 towns is only 8% compared to 12% nationally.  Please see the 2010 vacancy study, which can be downloaded from the right.  It is hoped that ongoing projects in each of the town centres will continue to have a positive effect on town centre vitality - both footfall and vacancy rates.

Recent news

Abingdon is set for some major changes after the Vale entered into two agreements for lease with Scottish Widows Investment Partnership to redevelop the Charter area and refurbish Abbey Shopping Centre. 

In January 2010 we asked for your views on redevelopment proposals as part of our Core Strategy public consultation, including;

  •  A new large supermarket and improved choice and range of other shops
  •  A replacement library, medical centre and car parking
  •  Significant upgrade to the appearance of the centre

We are delighted to announce that two of the vacant properties in Abingdons Bury Street shopping precinct (renamed Abbey Shopping Centre) have recently been let - to Cargo and WH Smiths. Cargo will offer a wide range of furniture and soft furnishings in the large store that was occupied by Woolworths. This is very good news for Abingdon town centre since these retailers should significantly increase the overall level of spending within the town. These new tenants will reduce the number of vacant properties in the town centre from 25 to 23. This means that the 'vacancy rate' will fall to 11.6% of the total stock of commercial properties or 7.2% when measured in terms of floorspace. This is significantly below the national average of 12%.

Last reviewed: 06 - 06 - 2011

Was this page helpful?YesNo