It just seems a complete waste of time to revamp a shopping area and then for it to be filled with pound shops and bookies.
That isn't going to improve the local economy.
( tangledupinblue hairy badge with moving eyes, Mon 8 Apr 2013, 12:06, 1 reply, 12 years ago)

nobody with a brain would spend any money revamping a shopping area
unless/until they had at least the anchor tenants on the hook. no tenants, no shops, it really is that simple.

and unless/until people stop sucking their own cocks for saving a fiver online and start to use the high streets for a fair proportion of their shopping, it's only going to get worse.
( rachelswipe with a fork, Mon 8 Apr 2013, 12:14, Reply)

I was shocked recently at just how much a shop costs to rent.
Refitting also costs a fortune. I partially agree with Swipey, it's only going to get worse unless people start using the high st again OR rents/business rates are lowered.
(Captain Placid 24/7 ball gags, brownie mix and clown porn, Mon 8 Apr 2013, 12:23, Reply)

councils can't afford to cut business rates, they don't have enough cash either
and landlords with mortgages or pension performance or fund management targets can't really afford to cut rates - some can, some can't.

it's use it or lose it when it comes to high streets. my own view is, we'll end up with the more desirable areas full of nothing more than beauty salons and restaurants, and the less desirable areas will be pretty much derelict.
( rachelswipe with a fork, Mon 8 Apr 2013, 12:27, Reply)

Sadly I think you're right.
While the centre of my fair city is dying on its knees, out-of-town retail parks are still being built.
(Captain Placid 24/7 ball gags, brownie mix and clown porn, Mon 8 Apr 2013, 12:51, Reply)