Published: Thursday 05th November 2015 | 11.13am
A recent survey of the District's town centres has shown that vacancy rates across Cannock, Rugeley and Hednesford are currently half that of the national average.
The survey, which focuses upon the principal shopping streets in each centre, reveals that the number of empty properties in all three towns has fallen since the start of July. In Cannock there are 10 empty properties compared to 12 in the previous survey in July; Rugeley has just 2 compared to 4 previously, and Hednesford 6 compared to 12 in July. Across the whole District this is a rate of 5.2% compared to a national average of 11%.
Councillor Diane Todd, Portfolio Leader for Town Centre Regeneration said “I hear a lot of negative comments about the retail offering in our town centres. Unfortunately the increase in shopping via the internet combined with the investment decisions of major retailers is having a negative impact upon town centres across the country.
The town centres across Cannock Chase are not immune to such trends, so it is really positive news to see that rates have fallen in all three town centres and that our vacancy rates are now half the national average.
Town centres are a significant priority for the Council and it is hoped that we can secure further investment to improve their appeal to visitors thereby increasing footfall and confidence”.
An investment of £50 million was made via the regeneration of Hednesford town centre between 2011 and 2013, with the Chase Gateway and Victoria Shopping Park developments.
In Cannock Town Centre over £40,000 was invested into revamping Beecroft Road and Mill Street underpasses. As part of the Town Centre Regeneration Scheme £132,000 was allocated for environmental improvements, including new litter bins, painting of street furniture and planting.
An improvement scheme in Rugeley saw £256,000 invested to improve footpaths and cycleways between the Rugeley Tesco Store, Rugeley Town Centre and Towers Business Park, to maximise the opportunity for linked trips between the Tesco store and the town centre in order to boost the town centre. Grants of £320,000 were made available to owners of historic buildings through the Rugeley Town Centre Partnership Scheme and £68,000 was allocated to establish a miners’ memorial in Rugeley to commemorate miners who lost their lives in the Lea Hall and Brereton collieries.
The Town Centre Business Rates Discount Scheme also supported 26 businesses that opened up in the three town centres between September 2012 and October 2014. A discretionary business rates policy now operates which continues to provide support for businesses occupying previously empty premises.
The Council has also confirmed that, once again, it will waive car parking charges in Cannock and Rugeley on the two Saturdays prior to Christmas.