PR256

For Immediate Release

20 September 2006

Research undertaken for Great Yarmouth Borough Council has produced a 15-year blueprint for retail and leisure expansion.

The Retail and Leisure Study looks at existing shops in the town centre and focuses on how changes in population, personal spending levels and future retail business requirements will affect the capacity for new development.

The study was undertaken by DTZ Pieda Consulting. Findings suggest that non-food and convenience sectors will see an increase in spend. This could lead to a requirement of between 29,000 square metres and 43,000 square metres by 2021.

The consultants recommended that major new floorspace should be concentrated in town centre locations. If no available space can be found then consideration would be given to edge-of-centre development, then out-of-centre sites.

A general increase in leisure expenditure means that current levels of interest from food outlets such as cafes, restaurants and bars in operating in the Borough is good. There is a potential in the next 10 years for floorspace to increase by up to 7,890 square metres.

The consultants highlight the opportunities for food outlets, especially, to build on the potential to take advantage of locations, such as waterfronts, to create more vital and viable tourist attractions.

“The report provides the Council with the context for progressing the Local Development Framework and in determining major retail planning applications,” said Senior Planner (Policy) James Harland.

DTZ carried out the Retail and Leisure study as a joint project between the Borough Council and Waveney District Council (with a report on shopping in Lowestoft and towns in its area), who shared the £53,000 cost.

For further information contact Head of Planning and Development Peter Warner on 01493 846104, or Senior Planner (Policy) James Harland on 01493 846475.

More information on the study can be found here...

Issued by:
Liz Dann
Press Officer
Great Yarmouth Borough Council
01493 846513