The retail industry and the retail property sector have made a major contribution to the UK’s urban agenda, but will only continue to do so if local authorities heed the government’s call for a proactive approach.
That was the message of Andrew Ogg, president of the British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC), as he opened its annual conference in Manchester today
More than 8m sq ft of retail developments are currently in the pipeline, the equivalent of 100 Brent Cross shopping centres.
“Towns and cities across the UK are waking up to the economic and social importance of using retail to re-energise the heart of our communities,” said Ogg.
He added: “Towns and cities should have the opportunity to reap the regeneration dividend but need to be proactive in entering early partnerships with the private sector.”
Ogg said the government was doing a good job at putting a framework for change in place but urged it not to negate this by imposing more fiscal measures, such as more planning obligations and mandatory clauses in leases.
References: EGi News 02/11/04
