Empty shops not just because of downturn, BRC says

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has said that, while the recession has contributed to making thousands of shop premises vacant, it has certainly not been the only cause.

The statement follows research from the Local Data Company, which, in examining nearly 700 shopping locations across the UK, found that 17,880 retailers had closed their doors by the end of 2009.

The BRC has stressed the need for town centres to be carefully planned and managed by local councils. Stephen Robertson, Director General of the BRC, commented:

“Many of the problems of town centres have more fundamental causes than simply the economic slowdown and they will not disappear just because recovery is underway.

“High street shops are often battling big bills for business rates and rents, parking and access difficulties, as well as failure to manage and invest in the area.”

Other findings from the Local Data Company showed that Kent town Margate had the highest rate of vacant premises at 27.2%, while shopping centres in Wolverhampton, Bradford and Middlesbrough also fared badly.

The BRC has set out a 20-point plan entitled ‘21st Century High Streets - A new vision for our town centres’. Amongst other things, the plan looks at making the most of public spaces, keeping business costs down and improving access to town centre areas.

The BRC’s full high street plan may be accessed below:

http://www.brc.org.uk/policymaster04.asp?id=611&sPolicy=21ST+CENTURY+HIGH+STREETS