British-Irish group on High Street conference

British-Irish group on High Street conference

13 February 2019

THE impact of online sales on the High Street was discussed at a recent meeting in Newcastle.

Representatives from the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly were in the resort where they were met by South Down MLA Colin McGrath and Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairman Mark Murnin.

Mr McGrath explained the committee has a different area of investigation each year and that in 2019 is focusing on the impact of online sales on the High Street and how governments can deliver initiatives and projects to address the problem.

The Assemblyman said with the nature of the traditional High Street changing, many people, especially the young, are shopping online with this trend only going to increase. 

“We are seeing and hearing that people want experiences and see their shopping trip as much more than simply shopping, wanting to incorporate food and activities as part of their experience,” said Mr McGrath.

“Having clean, welcoming public spaces, areas that can facilitate events and having a diverse range of experiential shops and boutiques is critical in making the High Street thrive. In Newcastle, the public realm and promenade schemes, in tandem with the shop front improvement scheme, have helped the resort buck the trend and is reporting increasing footfall.”

Mr McGrath also highlighted the need to continue to develop experiences people can avail of to maximise footfall and is confident ambitious future proposals including a gondola ride into the heart of the Mournes will be critical to enhancing what Newcastle has to offer.

He continued: “In Downpatrick, the former Irish Street police station and car park have the potential to redevelop the town and breathe new live back into its retail centre. 

“Developing a space here which can enhance and deliver a customer experience and product will be critical to developing new shops and products, but also complement existing businesses too.

“Rates and the entire rating scheme was a major recurring theme from business organisations and this will form part of a report being compiled by the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly following their visit.”

Mr McGrath said the inadequacies of the rating system were well known, with the British-Irish body, of which he is a member, keen to find other ways of helping businesses thrive.

The MLA added: “Times are changing and local authorities and central governments must reflect this in the work they do. I look forward to the report our committee will deliver which will reflect on time spent in Newcastle, Belfast, Dublin, Newcastle Upon Tyne and Stockton on Tees.”

Cllr Murnin said he was delighted that representatives of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly view Newcastle as an example of good practice for their research into revitalising the high street.

He continued: “We have worked very hard to make our district a better place to carry out business and as a place to visit. Regenerating the town centre and promenade in Newcastle has played a significant role in increasing business and footfall to the town. I am pleased to see our work receive this recognition.”

During the delegation visit, local authority officials gave presentations on the regeneration of Newcastle and the tourism events strategy for the town. 

In addition, a representative from the Department for Communities  spoke about the Main Street Environmental Improvement Scheme in the resort and the department’s role in the resort’s overall regeneration.

At the end of the meeting, delegation members said the examples of successful regeneration they witnessed would prove beneficial to their enquiry’s conclusions and eventual recommendations.