Pride of Place

Author - Courtney Hiles

Date published:

The Chamber’s latest column for The Journal by Chamber president and Newcastle Building Society chief executive Andrew Haigh.

The challenges facing some of our region’s high streets are back in the news. Last month a coalition of UK retail associations highlighted the problems facing their members caused by ‘unprecedented levels of shop theft’ and we saw the demise of Wilko, resulting in the loss of thousands of jobs and a well-known name from many of our towns and cities.

Whilst this might suggest we’re at risk of breaking a vital point of connection with our communities – one built over generations through our vibrant local high streets – it also serves to underline the importance of those high streets and how they help to create unique social and economic value. It’s for this reason that increasing pride in place and creating a stronger community connection to our locations and culture is a key element of the Chamber’s response to the Government’s levelling up white paper.

There’s also some good news to reflect on. According to the ONS, overall retail footfall is up 5% on this time last year, whilst high street footfall is showing signs of resilience over the same period, despite stuttering consumer confidence. Overall vacancies are down and John Lewis are reporting an increase in stores visits across its locations.

By their nature, high streets are constantly changing and continue to adapt to the shifting dynamics of online shopping and the embedding of hybrid working patterns. Since the pandemic the most successful high street locations have redefined their offer to include a mix of retail, leisure, services and residential, including the innovative use of shared spaces. With that in mind, Newcastle Building Society is creating a new community branch in the heart of Newcastle city centre, taking over the retail unit at Monument previously occupied by French Connection. As well as accessible financial services, we have big ambitions for the new branch, and see huge potential to create a vibrant place serving the needs of its community and location.

By reflecting their unique history, community-focused high streets will continue to encourage local visits and help grow the valuable connection between people and the place they want to be proud to call home.

As a region we should not be cautious with our ambition, but recognise that with thoughtful collaboration and creativity, the opportunity to shape our high streets, promote lasting growth, and create places which are full of life and proudly represent our communities is ours to take.

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