APPENDIX 1
Retailing and Commercial Comparison Centres 2012
Convenience
Residential
Service
Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol r gw O r a t
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e P DEVELOPMENT BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL CIVIC OFFICES ANGEL STREET BRIDGEND CF31 4WB BRIDGEND Telephone: 01656 643165 County Borough Council
RETAILING AND COMMERCIAL CENTRES IN BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH
2012
CONTENTS PAGE
1. Retailing in Bridgend County Borough 2012 ……………………… 2
2. Town Centre Health Checks in Bridgend County Borough………….. 4
3. Bridgend Town Centre 2012 …………………………………… 6
4. Porthcawl Town Centre 2012 ……………………..…………… 19
5. Maesteg Town Centre 2012 ………………………………...... 25
6. Bridgend County Borough Retail Survey - October 2012 …………... 31
REGENERATION AND DEVELOPMENT - BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL CIVIC OFFICES, ANGEL STREET, BRIDGEND, CF31 4WB Tel. 01656 643670 www.bridgend.gov.uk
1. RETAILING IN BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH 2012
1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.1.1 The protection and enhancement of the viability, attractiveness and vitality of the town and district centres in the County Borough is one of the key objectives of the Bridgend Unitary Development Plan (UDP) which was adopted by the Council on the 12th May 2005. This is additionally highlighted in the objectives of the emerging Local Development Plan (LDP) which will supersede the UDP. To ensure that these objectives are realised however, an effective monitoring programme needs to be in place to examine how our towns and district centres, defined as the Established Commercial Centres (ECCs) in the UDP are performing on an annual basis.
1.1.2 Town, district and ‘local’ centres can provide a broad range of facilities and serve as a focus for the community and public transport. They have a range of functions including: market places, business centres and meeting places, as well as providing educational, health, fitness, arts, cultural and entertainment facilities.
1.1.3 Their continuing health depends on them being able to draw enough people to spend time and money in the centre. However, growing competition between centres and the impact of large-scale out-of-centre developments can have a detrimental impact on the function of the centre, calling into question their future economic viability.
1.2 TOWN CENTRE HEALTH CHECKS
1.2.1 Health Checks have been carried out in Bridgend Town Centre since 1998 and for the last 11 years in Porthcawl and Maesteg Town Centres. The Health Checks are a vital component in assessing the effectiveness of the regeneration of these towns and the vitality, viability and attractiveness of their respective town centres.
1.2.2 The Health Checks (introduced in section 2) illustrate a variety of data from different sources to assess against various 'indicators' as suggested by central Government. Conducted on an annual basis, the quality and attractiveness of all three town centres can be assessed and, where necessary, compared to other centres outside the County Borough, national statistics and trends.
1.3 ESTABLISHED COMMERCIAL CENTRE SURVEY
1.3.1 There are thirteen ECCs within Bridgend County Borough as defined in the adopted Bridgend Unitary Development Plan (UDP). These are within the settlements of: Aberkenfig, Blaengarw, Brackla, Caerau, Nantyffyllon, Nantymoel, Ogmore Vale, Pencoed, Pontycymmer and Pyle/Kenfig Hill, as well as the town centres of Bridgend, Maesteg and Porthcawl.
1.3.2 There are over 1,900 individual properties within the ECCs of the County Borough, and by monitoring their occupancy both the vitality and viability of those Centres and the effectiveness of Development Plan policies can be assessed. Utilising the Council's Geographical Information System (GIS) data has been plotted onto an Ordnance Survey base, giving an effective visual tool of the performance of the ECC’s over time. This data (along with other sources of information contained in the wider Health Checks of the town centres) is particularly useful to planning applicants in the course of their ______2 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council submissions of retail planning applications, and also aids the Local Planning Authority in its decision making with respect to retail development and focussed regeneration initiatives.
1.3.3 The use of this data has enabled the Local Planning Authority (LPA) to effectively review the Unitary Development Plan policies as part of the Local Development Plan (LDP) process.
1.3.4 In formulating LDP policies, this annual survey has enabled the LPA to effectively re-assess town centre and other ECC boundaries by identifying areas where retailing activity has been permanently lost (i.e. through the demolition or change-of-use of former retail units) and therefore where the boundary of an ECC may need to be amended, to reflect a change in status. Alternatively, whilst surveying, additional buildings and/or land may have been identified as suitable for inclusion within the retail boundary. The methodology and results for these changes can be viewed in LDP Background Paper 7: Retail Review and forms part of the evidence base for the Deposit LDP which went to public examination in late 2012 and is expected to continue into early 2013. The LDP is expected to be adopted Summer 2013 and the 2013 Retailing and Commercial Centres Report will reflect the new planning policies and retail centre boundaries.
1.3.5 In Section 6, the data for each ECC is given in alphabetical order by centre, other than the 3 town centres which are introduced first, immediately followed by a plan of each centre showing property occupiers.
______3 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council 2. TOWN CENTRE HEALTH CHECKS IN BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH
2.1 PLANNING POLICY BASIS OF TOWN CENTRE HEALTH CHECKS
2.1.1 It is an objective of both the Welsh Government and Bridgend County Borough Council (through the Unitary Development Plan and other regeneration activities), that the vitality, viability and attractiveness of town, district, and local centres are enhanced. The current Unitary Development Plan has specific policies to help achieve this through the protection and enhancement (through regeneration activities) of these areas.
2.1.2 Additionally, the Deposit LDP proposes a specific objective focussing and promoting investment towards the town centres, so they act as sustainable hubs for growth in retailing and a focus for employment opportunities.
2.1.3 This position is reinforced in Section 10 of Planning Policy Wales (PPW) 2012 Planning for Retailing and Town Centres. PPW confirms the Government’s commitment to focusing retail, commercial and leisure developments in town centres and, at an appropriate scale, district centres, Paragraph 10.1.3 defines vitality, viability and attractiveness as follows:
"Vitality is reflected in how busy a centre is at different times and in different parts, attractiveness in the facilities and character which draw in trade. Viability, on the other hand, refers to the ability of the centre to attract investment, not only to maintain the fabric, but also to allow for improvement and adaptation to changing needs".
2.1.4 Technical Advice Note (Wales) Number 4 (TAN 4): Retailing and Town Centres (1996) expands on this concept by giving advice on the kinds of indicators which can be used to assess the vitality, viability and attractiveness of town centres; these are reproduced in Figure 1 below. Collectively compiled and analysed, this data can be used to assess the performance of the town centre on a regular basis.
2.1.5 Some of the information suggested will not be available. In other circumstances data may be available but its purchase may not be cost- effective to the Council. However, retail information submitted to support relevant planning applications can also be used as a substitute for this.
2.1.6 Town Centre Health Checks were initiated in Bridgend by the former Bridgend Town Centre Regeneration Sub-Committee in May 1998, and have been undertaken annually ever since.
______4 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council Information for Measuring Vitality, Viability and Attractiveness
Turnover in relation to floorspace: turnover figures vary greatly and can be of assistance as an indication of the relative activity of different shopping areas and centres.
Commercial yield on non-domestic property: (i.e. the capital value in relation to the expected market rental) may be of assistance in demonstrating the confidence of investors in the long-term profitability of the centre.
Shopping rents: pattern of movement in primary shopping area rents (i.e. the frontage which attracts the highest rental value);
Retailer representation and change: present representation and demand from the retailers wanting to come into the town, or to change their representation in the town, or to contract or close their representation.
The diversity of uses: how much space is in use for different functions, such as: offices; shopping; other commercial; cultural and entertainment activities; restaurants; hotels; educational uses; housing, and how that balance has been changing;
Accessibility: the ease and convenience of access by a choice of means of travel, including the quality, quantity and type of car parking, the availability of public transport services and the quality of provision for pedestrians and cyclists;
Pedestrian flow: the numbers and movement of people on the streets, in different parts of the centre at different times of the day and evening, and changes over time;
The proportion of vacant street level property: vacancies can arise even in the strongest town centres, and this indicator must be used with care;
Customer views: regular surveys of customer views will assist authorities in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of town centre improvements and of town centre management;
Environmental quality: this should include information on air quality, noise, trees, landscaping, open spaces, litter and graffiti;
Perception of safety/occurrence of crime: this should include information on safety and security.
Figure 1 Suggested Town Centre Indicators
Source: Technical Advice Note (Wales) Number 4: Retailing and Town Centres
______5 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council 3. BRIDGEND TOWN CENTRE 2012
3.1 INTRODUCTION
3.1.1 The following statistical analysis for Bridgend Town Centre conforms to the guidance set out in TAN 4 using a range of surveys and statistics from available sources to provide a comprehensive overview of the Centres’ performance during the 2012 calendar year. Where possible, the statistics have been compared with other town centres in South Wales and national statistics to reflect performance from a contextual perspective.
3.2 RETAIL AND OFFICE FLOORSPACE RENTAL VALUES AND INVESTMENT YIELD
3.2.1 Primary Retail Rents
3.2.2 Primary retail rents are based on valuations of the average rental values in the ‘primary shopping area’ of a town centre.
Figure 2: Primary Retail Rents Source: EJHales
3.2.3 Bridgend experienced its third successive annual drop to £35 per square foot in 2012; however this pattern is consistent with other town centres as indicated in Figure 2. The most notable change was in Newport which witnessed a drop from £80 to £50 per square foot. The continuing declines in rental values are most likely a result of the continued economic difficulties during the times of recession and its effect on the retail sector.
3.2.4 Secondary Retail Rents
3.2.5 Secondary retail rents are based on valuations of the average rental values within the commercial centre, but outside the ‘primary shopping area’ of a town centre and are expressed in Table 1.
______6 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council
Primary Secondary
2011 2012 2011 2012 Tonypandy £20.00 £18.00 £10.00 £10.00 Llanelli £38.00 £25.00 £15.00 £10.00 Haverfordwest £35.00 £35.00 £20.00 £20.00 Blackwood £35.00 £35.00 £20.00 £20.00 Merthyr £45.00 £45.00 £20.00 £20.00 Pontypridd £45.00 £45.00 £20.00 £20.00 Bridgend £40.00 £35.00 £25.00 £20.00 Neath £40.00 £35.00 £25.00 £25.00 Caerphilly £40.00 £50.00 £30.00 £25.00 Abergavenny £55.00 £55.00 £30.00 £30.00 Carmarthen £45.00 £45.00 £35.00 £35.00 Newport £80.00 £50.00 £50.00 £30.00 Cwmbran £80.00 £80.00 £50.00 £50.00 Swansea £110.00 £100.00 £50.00 £30.00 Cardiff £220.00 £220.00 £110.00 £100.00
Table 1: Primary & Secondary Retail Rents: South Wales Source: EJHales
3.2.6 Like the primary rental values, Bridgend has also witnessed a drop in the secondary rental values in 2012. This does reflect the general picture across South Wales with no centres witnessing an increase and the larger, more buoyant centres of Cardiff and Swansea showing decline.
3.2.7 In addition to the economic climate, the high street is also coming under increasing pressure with the continuing trend towards internet shopping and the closure of some national high street chains. In Bridgend this has included, Gamestation, Topshop, Woolworths, and Thorntons.
3.2.8 Notwithstanding the above, the changes in shopping trends does allow for opportunities for entrepreneurship and small scale enterprises to access the market taking advantage of reduced rental values. As such the Town Centre has benefited from a number of new retailers occupying units such as Candy Shack and Ella Rileys Sweet Shop. This trend will both compliment, and be complimented by the continuing regeneration of town centres creating a new shopping experience for consumers.
3.2.9 Retail Yield
3.2.10 Yield indicates investor confidence in a town centre. It is the ratio of rental income to capital value and is expressed in terms of the market rents of a property as a percentage of the capital value. The lower the yield, the higher the capital values resulting from a given rental income therefore greater investor confidence. The level of yield broadly represents the market's evaluation of the risk attached to the income from shop rents.
______7 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council 10 9 8 7 Bridgend 6 Swansea 5 Newport 4 Cardiff 3 Merthyr Tydfil 2 1 0 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Figure 3: Retail Yields Source: Jones Lang LaSalle
3.2.11 Bridgend’s retail yield remained static at 7% in 2012 following 2 successive falls in 2010 and 2011 indicating that investor confidence in the town centre is stable. This is positive in comparison with other town centres in South Wales illustrated in the Figure 3 which have all witnessed increases indicating a fall investor confidence.
3.2.12 Office Rents
Figure 4: Office Rents Source: Cooke & Arkwright
3.2.13 Office rental rates remained static in 2012 at £11.50 per square foot. This trend is also true of Newport and Swansea, with only Cardiff witnessing an increase.
3.3 RETAILER REPRESENTATION, CHANGE AND DIVERSITY OF USES
3.3.1 The Bridgend County Borough Retail Survey – October 2012 results for Bridgend Town Centre are displayed in Table 2 below (see also Section 6 of this report for more data plus distribution maps).
______8 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council
Table 2: Retail and Service Provision Source: Bridgend CBC
______9 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council 3.3.2 In 2010 the Council altered the breakdown of specific uses based on new information which more accurately reflects the diversity of uses in commercial centres so comparisons are only available from that time. Table 3 shows the change in diversity between 2010 and 2012.
2010 2011 2012 Comparison 107 103 100 Convenience 15 14 16
Service 210 214 216
Table 3: Diversity of use 2010-2012 Source: Bridgend CBC
3.3.3 Figure 5 shows the number of vacant units over a 7 year period since 2006.
Figure 5: Vacancy Rates Source: Bridgend CBC
3.3.4 Figure 5 shows how vacancy rates in the town centre have fluctuated over the last 7 years. 2011 witnessed the first drop in 5 years and this trend continued in 2012 with another decrease. The figures in Table 2 show 14.3% of the units in the town centre as vacant which is positive when compared with a UK average of approximately 14.2% and vacancy rates are as high as 18% in some parts of the country.
Ground Floor Size of Property Size (sq ft) % Distribution of Outlets by Size
0 - 5000 552,174.27 58.5 5000 - 10000 137,930.14 14.6 10000 - 15000 97,806.57 10.4 15000 - 20000 50,992.51 5.4
25000 - 30000 27,417.02 2.9 75000 - 80000 77,052.38 8.2 Total 943,372.89 100.00%
Table 4: Property Size Distribution Source: Bridgend CBC
3.3.5 What is apparent from Table 4 is that nearly 60% of the town centre is made up of smaller retail units between 0 and 5000 square feet. This does provide an opportunity in Bridgend for small, specialist retailers to establish themselves in the town centre. However, there is a lack of larger units which ______10 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council limits the opportunity for Bridgend to attract larger, more established retailers into the town which are more likely to withstand the impact of the economic climate. However, this is recognised by the Council and is being considered and addressed in the regeneration initiatives proposed for the Town Centre (informed by the Bridgend Town Centre Masterplan) which includes land use allocations in the Deposit LDP which provide the opportunity for large scale retail units which would be more attractive to potential investors.
3.4 PEDESTRIAN FLOW
3.4.1 A key element of the centres vitality and viability is related to the general ‘liveliness’ of a town. In order to effectively monitor this, cameras are installed within the town centre to monitor its patronage on an annual basis.
Figure 6 Bridgend Town Centre automated footfall data Source: Bridgend CBC c/o Springboard
3.4.2 Figure 6 reflects an overall reduction in footfall throughout the year in comparison to 2011.
3.4.3 The peaks that are visible can be attributed to events that have been organised within the town centre. Examples include the Bridgend Mash Up, the Feastival, the Italian Market, the Reindeer Parade and the Elf-steddfod. In 2012 the Olympic Torch also passed through Bridgend which attracted a high volume of visitors. Events such as these act as significant attractions for the town centre from both inside and outside the locality and result in a marked increase in the footfall figures. Most notably, the Mash Up recorded a footfall of 25,615 in Adare Street, an increase of 39.65% on the previous week and 28.6% on the Saturday of the same event in 2011. They also add to the vitality and viability of the centre, increasing trade for retailers and engaging communities in cultural activities.
3.5 TOWN CENTRE REGENERATION
3.5.1 Since 2011 good progress has been made with the implementation of the Bridgend Town Centre’s £9m improvement programme which is being funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Targeted Match Fund through the Welsh Government.
3.5.2 In December 2012, First Minister and AM for Bridgend Carwyn Jones joined council Leader Councillor Mel Nott to celebrate the completion of the first ______11 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council phase at an unveiling ceremony at Cheapside. The first phase has delivered improvements to the Cheapside and Merthyr Mawr Road North areas of the town centre including public artworks, new paving, street lighting, landscaping and road resurfacing.
3.5.3 The Cheapside scheme includes the creation of a new public space with tree planting, artworks and feature stone walling on the former disused site which once accommodated the subway connecting the Brackla multi-storey car parks to the Bridgend Shopping Centre. The artworks were created by Sculptor David Annand, while the design involved Bridgend poet Rhian Edwards who worked with pupils at Brynteg School to create a unique poem about Bridgend which has been engraved onto the artwork.
3.5.4 The Merthyr Mawr Road North scheme has undertaken improvements which have sought to enhance the appearance and character of the street which is a designated Conservation Area. The works included improvements to the public space at the ‘village green’ section of the road and incorporated new seating, landscaping and stone wall screening at the boundary with the inner bypass.
3.5.5 In August 2012, appointed contractor Alun Griffiths commenced improvement works on the second phase of the programme at Court Road and Derwen Road. The works are expected to last for 70 weeks and the contractor is targeting Court Road in the first instance. Works at Court Road are scheduled for completion in early in 2013 and when completed will progress onto Derwen Road. It is anticipated that the scheme at Derwen Road will act as an incentive to the private sector to bring vacant and redundant floorspace back into beneficial use, whilst the scheme at Court Road will enhance this key arrival point into the town centre for visitors and residents arriving by train.
3.5.6 The third phase of the programme will target significant improvements at Nolton Street South in early 2013. A proposed one-way traffic system from south to north will benefit this key gateway by allowing for wider footways, improved pedestrian safety and reduced traffic flows. Local businesses will also benefit from additional parking and loading bays.
3.5.7 The fourth phase of the programme is also scheduled to take place in early 2013 and will target improvements at Elder Street & Cross Street. The works which incorporate public art proposals will tie-in with an important historic renovation project and other proposals which are currently being taken forward by a private landowner as part of the effort to make this area a key town centre attraction. ______12 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council
3.5.8 During 2012 Bridgend Town Centre’s artist in residence, Rabab Ghazoul has been active in engaging residents, businesses, traders and visitors in the town centre regeneration programme through new and unusual ways. The ‘Art About Us’ residency project has delivered a diverse range of arts based/creative projects, drawing on a range of media and processes from video and installation through to performance and site specific events. A number of activities, debates and events were held on themes relating to regeneration within the project hub at 71 Nolton Street, as well as specific events and activities taking place in and around the town centre itself.
3.5.9 The arts residency’s final “swan-song” event took place on Thursday 6th December at a Christmas-themed arts event within Bridgend’s indoor market. The free festive evening celebration was opened by council Leader Councillor Mel Nott and also launched the ‘Sound Works’ project which incorporated a series of sound stations installed around the market containing recorded stories told by the indoor market traders on the people that work there, its history and its community. As well as the sound stations, the event brought the indoor market to life through an evening of festive, creative and cultural activities with market traders using their stalls for arts and crafts activities, workshops, competitions, demonstrations, festive food and live music.
3.5.10 The large scale environmental improvements being delivered through this latest European funding programme will be supported by private sector investment and will help achieve a number of key objectives for the town centre:
• Strengthen Bridgend’s reputation as a shopping destination; • Improve the quality of the town centre environment; • Improve the image of the town; • Help attract new investment and create employment opportunities; • Strengthen the retail performance of the town; and • Improve the experience had by visitors.
3.5.11 The project also ties in with Bridgend’s Town Improvement Grant (TIG) scheme which offers grants of up to 30% to private sector property owners wishing to carry out external improvements to their business premises within the designated TIG area.
______13 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council
77 Nolton Street, before and after work supported by TIG
3.5.12 Phase I of the Bridgend Townscape Heritage Initiative scheme (THI) has now closed. During the programme 13 buildings received grant funding towards repair and reinstatement work with over £2,601,000 invested in the schemes, and £1,503,730 of grant aid with £1,055,247of private sector investment.
3.5.13 The Bridgend THI programme phase I has also been awarded 4 local Civic Trust awards and 3 national awards, and is generally considered as THI best practice by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
3.5.14 Works on Elder Street, the critical project is completed and a tenant is being sought.
Elder Street THI Critical project, before and almost Complete
3.5.15 Phase II of the Bridgend Townscape Heritage Initiative was launched in January 2011. The Priority Projects are those along Dunraven Place, 14 – 30
______14 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council as well as properties at the entrances to Elder Street. To date a comprehensive scheme has been approved for The Victoria Inn and works are to begin in June 2013.
3.6 PERCEPTION OF SAFETY/OCCURRENCE OF CRIME
Figure 7: Anti-Social Behaviour by Street in Bridgend Town Centre Source: South Wales Police
3.6.1 Over the years Bridgend Town Centre has witnessed anti social behaviour primarily associated with the night time economy and the number of bars and takeaways in three streets in particular, namely Wyndham Street, Market Street and Derwen Road as highlighted in Figure 7.
3.6.2 A saturation zone policy has been adopted by the police in partnership with the local authority to prohibit the increase in licensees in the town centre. In 2010 ‘Operation Raven’ was devised to tackle the issues within the town centre. Partnership working has been at the core to its success together with the introduction of a traffic light system designed to highlight problem premises and construct a concerted approach to addressing the issues. This is an ongoing operation that is policed every weekend on Friday, Saturday and also Thursday evenings. It has been very successful in making the Town Centre a safe place to visit.
3.6.3 Additionally, the Council is working with the South Wales Police to manage concentrations of certain uses in the town centre and reduce the anti-social behaviour that can be linked to them.
3.7 CUSTOMER PERCEPTION
3.7.1 In 2012, Beaufort research were re-commissioned by the Council to research and determine the views, opinions, consumer behaviour and demographic profile of Bridgend CB town centre users. A total of 643 face to face on street
______15 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council interviews were conducted across three locations, Bridgend Maesteg and Porthcawl. (approximately 215 in each town).
3.7.2 Two surveys were carried out during the latter half of the year from July to December and covered the following topics:
Travelling and Transport Distances travelled to reach town centres Modes to transport used to visit town centres Car parks and parking in town centres
Visiting the Town Centres Reasons for visiting the town centres Duration of visits to town centres Spending money
Town Centre Environments Perceived problems with town centre environments Overall perceptions of towns Possible improvements to town centres
Pedestrianised Zones and Maesteg Town Hall Bridgend and Porthcawl – Pedestrianised Zones Maesteg Town Hall
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour Overall perceptions of crime and anti-social behaviour in town centres Perceptions of personal safety Concerns about crime
3.7.3 The main findings for Bridgend Town Centre were:
• Average number of miles to reach the town centre were 5.9 miles • 37 % travelled to the town centre by car • 1 in 3 travelled to the town centre by bus • The most popular car park used in the town centre is the Asda car park • Average time spent in the town centre is 1 hour 56 minutes • 58% stated that their main reason for visiting the town centre was for shopping • 1 in 3 intended to buy food and drink • The average spend for the town centre is £ 28.07 • A greater variety of goods were being purchased in Bridgend than the other two town centres, no doubt reflecting the greater variety of shops available in this location • Around 50% felt that dilapidated buildings were an issue in Bridgend • 31% of visitors to Bridgend would like to see more shops and more variety of shops, 1 in 5 would like to see more clothes shops • In Bridgend, 55% of visitors felt crime and anti-social behaviour was a problem • The majority of visitors (75%) to Bridgend felt safe using public transport • 50% of people felt pedestrianised zones were important in the town centre with 21% saying they were not important to them. • 86% of visitors said that pedestrianised zones did not have any influence over their decision to visit the town. ______16 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council
3.8 ACCESSIBILITY
3.8.1 Over recent years Bridgend has undergone major improvements. Previous schemes including the initial pedestrianisation and river walkway have now been completed. The aim of the work has been to improve the appearance and quality of the town centre environment as a basis to secure inward investment by the private / commercial sector.
3.8.2 The Council has secured funding to undertake a series of further physical regeneration improvements to Bridgend town centre in phases on:
• Nolton Street South • Merthyr Mawr Road North • Court Road • Derwen Road • Elder Street • Cheapside
3.8.3 Common to all schemes will be enhancements to the public realm using locally sourced, high quality materials, improvements in pedestrian safety and accessibility, traffic management and circulation and upgrading key gateways into the town centre.
Public Transport
3.8.4 The town centre can be accessed easily by a variety of travel modes, with a railway station located on the main south Wales rail line and a bus station which serves as a hub for all local services.
3.8.5 Regular rail services are centred on hourly services to London and there is a comprehensive service to local inter-urban destinations in adjacent Vale of Glamorgan, across South and West Wales including Swansea and Maesteg.
3.8.6 Bus services operating from the main bus station, which was opened in 2004, offer frequent, direct services to most destinations within the County Borough as well as Cardiff and Swansea. Although the bus station remains the central hub for local bus services within the County Borough, coach tours, holidays and excursions now operate from Cheapside opposite Bridgend police station.
Walking and Cycling
3.8.7 Access for pedestrians and cyclists has been improved over recent years with the development of a network of routes linking the town centre to the surrounding residential developments of Cefn Glas, Broadlands, Laleston and Brackla.
3.8.8 In addition, Route 885 of the National Cycle Network (NCN) provides an off- road link for pedestrians and cyclists from Bridgend Town Centre to NCN Route 4, the Celtic Trail, at Sarn. NCN Route 4 connects London to St. David’s and runs east to west through the County Borough providing a direct link to the town centre for both residents and tourists.
______17 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council
Car Parking
3.8.9 Currently there are 1304 off-street parking spaces serving Bridgend town centre on a pay and display basis and operated by the Council. Table 7 below lists the off-street car parks in Bridgend. In addition, there are private car parks available within the town centre notably at the Embassy and at Asda and Tesco which add significantly to the amount of parking on offer.
Car Park No. of Spaces Rhiw 434 Brackla 1 (Multi-storey) 387 Brackla 3 126 Recreation Centre 115 Bowls Hall 95 Tremains Road 43 Tondu Road 89 Five Bells Road 15 Total 1304
Table 5: Car Park Provision Source: Bridgend CBC
3.9 CONCLUSIONS
3.9.1 2012 saw a mixed year for Bridgend Town Centre in terms of performance. Both the primary and secondary rents have witnessed a drop but remain comparable with other centres in South Wales. The retail yield have stabilised after 2 successive drops in 2010 and 2011, suggesting that investor confidence is stabilising. A positive position when compared with other centres where investor confidence continues to decline.
3.9.2 In addition to the above, the vacancy rates for the town centre have seen a second successive drop.
3.9.3 The footfall figures for 2012 were not as positive as 2011 with an overall reduction. However, the town centre continues to benefit from public realm enhancements through THI funding and there are exciting prospects through the on-going regeneration activities planned for the town centre.
3.9.4 Reducing crime, especially that associated with the night time economy continues to be a primary objective with a continued focus by both the Council and South Wales Police with incidents showing substantial decline making the town centre a safe place to visit.
3.9.5 The Council has continued to carry out customer perception surveys which provide public feedback on all aspects of the town centre and consultants have been commissioned to produce a monitoring framework which will assess the performance of the regeneration activities which will be taking place over the next couple of years.
3.9.6 The town centre is highly accessible by all major forms of transport with existing and proposed public realm enhancements improving accessibility within the town. ______18 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council
4. PORTHCAWL TOWN CENTRE 2012
4.1 INTRODUCTION
4.1.1 The following statistical analysis for Porthcawl Town Centre conforms to the guidance set out in TAN 4 using a range of surveys and statistics from available sources to provide a comprehensive overview of the Town Centres’ performance during the 2012 calendar year.
4.2 RETAILER REPRESENTATION, CHANGE AND DIVERSITY OF USES
Table 6: Retail and Service Provision Source: Bridgend CBC ______19 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council
4.2.1 In 2010 the Council altered the breakdown of specific uses based on new information which more accurately reflects the diversity of uses in commercial centres so comparisons are only available from that time. Table 7 shows the change in diversity between 2010 and 2012.
2010 2011 2012 Comparison 71 72 67 Convenience 11 11 13 Service 111 112 113
Table 7: Diversity of use 2010 - 2012 Source: Bridgend CBC
4.2.2 Table 7 reflects a gradual increase in the convenience and service offer in Porthcawl with a slight decrease in the comparison sector. The changes do not suggest a shift in the overall balance of diversity of use.
4.2.3 Figure 8 shows number of vacant units over a 7 year period since 2006.
Figure 8: Vacancy Rates Source: Bridgend CBC
4.2.4 For the first time since 2009 Porthcawl has witnessed a marginal increase in vacancy rates from 11 to 12 units. However, this represents 5.85% of the total commercial units in Porthcawl Town Centre which is a very positive figure in comparison with a national average of 14.2%.
Ground Floor Size of Property Size (sq ft) % 0 – 5000 343,176.98 77.0 5000 – 10000 51,612.87 11.6 10000 – 15000 14,065.47 3.2 15000 – 20000 15,589.62 3.5 20000 – 25000 21,171.03 4.8 Total 445,615.97 100
Table 8: Property Size Distribution Source: Bridgend CBC
4.2.5 Like Bridgend, the majority of units are less than 5000 square foot. The Waterfront development includes an allocation for a new store and non food retail units up to a maximum total development footprint of 90,000ft significantly adding to the retail floorspace in Porthcawl. ______20 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council
4.3 PEDESTRIAN FLOW – PORTHCAWL TOWN CENTRE
Figure 9: Porthcawl Town Centre automated footfall data Source: Bridgend CBC c/o Springboard
4.3.1 In 2008, footfall counters were installed in Porthcawl Town Centre which has enabled the monitoring of pedestrian-based statistics.
4.3.2 The footfall in Porthcawl is broadly similar to 2011 with lower rates recorded in the beginning of the year and comparatively higher recording during the winter months. Once again, poor weather conditions during the summer months continue to have an adverse impact on the seaside town.
4.3.3 Notwithstanding the above the Council continues to organise events in the town centre which contribute to increasing footfall including the Elvis Festival in September and the Splash Up in October.
4.4 REGENERATION
4.4.1 The first phase in the regeneration of Porthcawl will be completed in summer 2013 with the opening of the new 70 berth marina. The scheme includes an extension to the existing breakwater, a new lock gate, engineering works to the basin and a new pontoon system for leisure, commercial and visitor boats. The marina is scheduled to be open in September 2013. The project is being funded by Bridgend County Borough Council and the European Regional Development Fund, with support provided by Visit Wales (Welsh Government).
4.4.2 The marina will be followed by a number of developments that are also scheduled to commence in the next 18 months. The first element will consist of new highway infrastructure, underground services and a new promenade that are planned to commence by the end of 2013. This infrastructure will enable a series of other developments to be brought forward, the first of which will be a new store, town car parking and a public square that will connect the new developments with the town centre, leisure site and harbour / marina.
4.4.3 The Town Improvement Grant (TIG) scheme continues to operate in Porthcawl with grants available for commercial property owners to improve the exteriors ______21 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council of their buildings, within the designated TIG area. In 2011/12 one TIG was approved on the former pump house in New Road, with a grant of £9.5k awarded creating a further £22k private sector investment.
Boxing Club, Former Pump house, New Road, before and after work supported by TIG
4.5 PERCEPTION OF SAFETY/OCCURRENCE OF CRIME
4.5.1 Porthcawl Town Centre has historically been subject to increases in instances of anti social behaviour reported during the summer period. However these have been successfully addressed through operational policing and partnership working.
Figure 10: Anti-Social Behaviour by Street in Porthcawl Town Centre
Source: South Wales Police
4.5.2 CCTV plays a key role in providing a deterrent within the town centre.
4.6 CUSTOMER PERCEPTION
4.6.1 The main findings of the customer perceptions surveys discussed in section 3.7 relating to Porthcawl Town Centre were:
______22 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council • Main reason given for visiting was to go shopping, with around half saying this (55%) • The average durations of visits to Porthcawl was 1 hour 40 mins • The average amount of money visitors intended to spend in Porthcawl was £20.64 • The majority of visitors (80%) claimed that they were going to spend their money on food and drink and visitors were more likely to be purchasing clothes/shoes/trainers (22%) • Around 50% felt that discarded chewing gum was a problem • When it came to overall perceptions of the towns in terms of their look and feel and the range of shops available, Porthcawl was rated most positively. In Porthcawl almost three quarters thought the look and feel, and the town overall was good • Only 2% of visitors felt crime and anti social behaviour were a serious problem in Porthcawl • 58% felt pedestrianised zones were important to them • 22% felt that pedestrianised zones had influenced their decision to visit the town
4.7 Accessibility
4.7.1 Porthcawl town centre can be accessed by a variety of methods including foot, bicycle, car and public transport. The town is located within easy reach of the M4 with a dual-carriage way forming part of the link to junction 37. Hillsboro car park is extremely close to the town centre and therefore enables visitors to be within walking distance to the prime-shopping area of John Street. The partial pedestrianisation of the town centre continues to reduce the pedestrian/vehicular conflict with 86.8% of users stated within the Public Attitude Survey that in terms of pedestrian friendliness, the town centre was considered to be very good or good.
Public Transport
4.7.2 Regular bus services run to and from nearby principal towns. The six main bus operators providing these services are First Cymru Buses Limited, Stagecoach Rhondda, Easyway Minibus, Watts Coaches, GM Coaches and Travel Final Limited.
4.7.3 The services include a half hourly service to Bridgend and Cardiff, a service every 15 minutes to Bridgend via Pyle, the Pines and the Princess of Wales Hospital, hourly services to Aberdare and Swansea, and a service every 90 minutes between Porthcawl and Rest Bay.
4.7.4 Porthcawl lacks direct rail links. The nearest principal station to the town is at Bridgend, which is situated on the main Swansea-Paddington line. Pyle Station provides for access to local rail services with a regular bus service to the train station every 15 minutes.
Walking and Cycling
4.7.5 Pedestrian access through Porthcawl has been improved in recent years with the construction of the All Wales Coastal Path which officially opened on 5th May 2012. The path provides access to the town from the outlying residential areas to the east and west, as well as to destinations in neighbouring local authority areas.
______23 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council
4.7.6 There have also been improvements in the infrastructure for cyclists with the construction of a shared-use route for pedestrians and cyclists having been created between Rest Bay and Porthcawl as part of the Coastal Path. Further long-term cycle routes are also planned to link Porthcawl to Pyle and Bridgend.
Car Parking
4.7.7 Currently there are 3265 off-street parking spaces within a short distance to Porthcawl town centre. Salt Lake car park is used on a seasonal basis, particularly during the summer period when tourism in the area is at its peak. Porthcawl offers both short and long stay car parks, all operating on a ‘pay and display’ system to suit the needs of the local community and visitors. The Esplanade and Eastern Promenade provide an additional 150 on street car parking spaces, which are occupied all year-around.
4.7.8 Table 9 below list the off-street car parks within Porthcawl.
Car Park No. of Spaces
John Street 95 Hillsboro Place 340 Co-op 170
Rest Bay 660 Salt Lake 2,000 Total 3,265
Table 9: Car Park Provision Source: Bridgend CBC
4.8 Conclusion
4.8.1 Things remain largely unchanged in Porthcawl in 2012. Yet again, poor weather conditions continue to hamper footfall figures during the summer months but there was an increase during the winter months in 2012 compared with 2010 and 2011.
4.8.2 Whilst there was a marginal rise in vacancy figures, vacancy rates remain well below the national average, and the town will continue to benefit from initiatives from the Council in running town centre events, aesthetic improvements though TIG funding and the on-going regeneration of the Waterfront.
______24 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council 5. MAESTEG TOWN CENTRE 2012
5.1 INTRODUCTION
5.1.1 The following statistical analysis for Maesteg Town Centre conforms to the guidance set out in TAN 4 using a range of surveys and statistics from available sources to provide a comprehensive overview of the Town Centres’ performance during the 2012 calendar year.
5.2 RETAILER REPRESENTATION, CHANGE AND DIVERSITY OF USES
Table 10: Retail and Service Provision Source: Bridgend CBC ______25 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council 5.2.1 In 2010 the Council altered the breakdown of specific uses based on new information which more accurately reflects the diversity of uses in commercial centres so comparisons are only available from that time. Table 11 shows the change in diversity between 2010 and 2012.
2010 2011 2012 Comparison 38 38 37
Convenience 11 13 13
Service 85 83 91 Table 11: Diversity of use 2010 – 2012 Source: Bridgend BCB
5.2.1 Over the last 3 years, the main change in the commercial representation in Maesteg is the increase in the service sector. Figure 11 shows the number of vacant units over a 7 year period since 2006.
Figure 11: Vacancy Rates Source: Bridgend CBC
5.2.3 Between 2007 and 2010 there has been a steady but significant increase in the number of vacant units in the town centre, from 12 in 2007 to 25 in 2010. However, over the last 2 years, the vacancy rates have dropped back down to 17 units which correlates with the increase in the number of service units and represents a marked improvement. Reflected as a percentage, the number of vacant units is 10.8% compared with a national average of approximately 14.2%.
Distribution of Outlets by Size Number % 0 - 5000 219,067.22 74.8
5000 - 10000 35,484.92 12.1 10000 - 15000 21,541.34 7.4 15000 - 20000 16,784.77 5.7 Total 292,878.26 100
Table 12: Property Size Distribution Source: Bridgend CBC
5.2.4 Like Bridgend and Porthcawl, Maesteg is dominated by retail units between 0 - 5000 square feet.
______26 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council
5.3 TOWN CENTRE REGENERATION
5.3.1 In July 2012, appointed contractor LGA Ltd commenced works on the £2.5m revamp of Maesteg’s outdoor market and bus station area which is being funded by the Welsh Government under its Western Valley Strategic Regeneration Area initiative and the European Regional Development Fund plus the Council’s own financial resources.
5.3.2 The works are expected to be completed within 52 weeks and comprise the Maesteg town centre phase IV regeneration scheme, the final phase of the regeneration programme originally identified for the town centre back in 2003.
5.3.3 The outdoor market area will be redesigned incorporating 530m2 of new market building floorspace, a new covered performance space, associated public realm improvements and enhancements to the nearby bus station waiting area.
5.3.4 It is hoped that the scheme will recreate the ‘heart’ of Maesteg and provide a new focus for the community by providing a new public space where people can meet and socialise and which will be suitable for hosting local events and visiting markets.
5.3.5 The outdoor market area is set to become more accessible through improvements to its links with the rest of the town centre and between the bus and railway stations. Attractive landscaping, public artwork and high-quality street furniture will also be introduced.
5.3.6 A new focus for local independent retailing will be created, strengthening the town’s commercial competitiveness and safeguarding existing jobs and businesses by making it more attractive for investors, shoppers and visitors.
5.3.7 In addition, the scheme is set to enhance the distinctiveness and character of the Maesteg Town Centre Conservation Area while complimenting listed buildings in the area, such as Maesteg Town Hall and the Maesteg Town Council offices.
Maesteg Outdoor Market Scheme under Artist impression of the completed Maesteg construction Outdoor Market scheme
5.3.8 Maesteg Townscape Heritage Initiative grant scheme will remain open until September 2013 as demand for the grant funding has been high. There are two projects approved and starting on site in March 2013, 25a Talbot Street ______27 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council and 8 Commercial Street. The fund is now closed to further applications. The scheme has offered local businesses an opportunity to access grant funding which can be used to carry out restoration work to their premises.
5.3.9 25a Talbot Street, is adjacent to the Phase IV area.
25A TALBOT STREET, EXISTING AND PROPOSED ELEVATION DUE TO START MARCH 2013
5.4 PERCEPTION OF SAFETY/OCCURRENCE OF CRIME
Figure 12: Anti-Social Behaviour by Street in Maesteg Town Centre Source: South Wales Police
5.4.1 The main concentration of anti social behaviour continues to be focussed in Commercial Street and Llynfi Road and can be largely associated with the night time economy.
______28 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council 5.4.2 Issues of anti-social behaviour have been pro-actively targeted through partnership working together with the introduction of more stringent measures to tackle licensees.
5.5 CUSTOMER PERCEPTION
5.5.1 The main findings of the customer perception surveys discussed in section 3.7 relating to Maesteg Town Centre were:
• The main reason for visiting the town centre was to go shopping • The average duration of visits to Maesteg was 1 hour 34 minutes • The average amount of money visitors intended to spend in Maesteg was £23.13 • 46% of visitors claimed they were going to spend their money on food and drink • Maesteg was felt to have the worst problems with unsightly town environment issues. The main problem was felt to be discarded chewing gum – over half of visitors to Maesteg (61%) felt this was a problem. In addition, almost half of visitors to Maesteg thought that dilapidated buildings and dog fouling were problems in this particular town centre (58% and 55% respectively) • In Maesteg, only 7% thought the look and the feel of the town, the town centre overall and range of shops was good. • 34% felt that crime and antisocial behaviour is a problem with 7% claiming it to be a very serious problem • The presence of a Town Hall in Maesteg was felt to be important by the majority of visitors to Maesteg (73%), with 65% saying that it was very important (rising to 89% amongst visitors over the age of 65 years) • When asked when they had last visited the Town Hall in Maesteg, the majority (81%) had visited at some point in the past, with over a third (36%) having visited in the last 6 months, and a further 29% visiting between 6 and 12 months ago (65% visiting in the last year). • Visitors to Maesteg would like to see a variety of events hosted at the Town Hall, including music events (39%), plays (29%), opera (25%), comedy acts and school productions (22% for each)
5.6 Accessibility
5.6.1 Maesteg town centre is highly accessible by car and public transport with both the bus and railway stations located within the commercial area. The principal bus routes from Maesteg access all areas of the surrounding Llynfi Valley including a quarter hourly services to Bridgend, an hourly service to Swansea, and approximately a quarter hourly service to Cymmer. The railway continues to provide a regular hourly service which links up to the wider rail network at Bridgend.
5.6.2 In terms of road transport, the principal roads which access the centre are the A4063 and the B4282. The A4063 provides access north to Caerau and beyond to Glyncorrwg and south to Bridgend and the M4 motorway. The B4282 provides access westwards to Port Talbot.
Walking and Cycling
5.6.3 In respect of access for pedestrians and cyclists, the Llynfi Valley Community Route, which provides an off-road route for pedestrians and cyclists between ______29 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council Maesteg and the County Borough boundary at Croeserw was completed in May 2012.
5.6.4 Links are also provided from that route into Maesteg town centre, including the bus and railway stations, as well as to local communities such as Caerau which has also benefitted from the construction of shared use routes linking to Caerau Park estate.
5.6.5 In addition, there are many residential properties within and adjoining the commercial area of Maesteg, consequently there is an extensive catchment area within cycling and walking distance.
Car Parking
Car Park No. of spaces Llynfi Road 340 Maesteg Hospital 75 Tonna Road 45 Total 460
Table 13: Car Park Provision Source: Bridgend CBC
5.6.6 Among the three major towns in Bridgend County Borough, Maesteg enjoys free publicly owned parking. Currently there are 460 off-street parking spaces serving the town centre and because parking is free, there is no limit to the length of stay. The main car park is the Llynfi Road car park that caters for the parking needs associated with shopping and work related journeys. Although the Maesteg Hospital car park is also open to the public, it is primarily used by hospital staff and therefore could be characterised as a ‘long’ stay car park.
5.6.7 In addition to the three car parks listed in the table above, there are private non-residential car parks such as, for example, those attached to Tesco and Asda supermarkets. The latter is adjacent to the Maesteg train station car park. The Asda car park displays a sign limiting its use to patrons only.
5.7 Conclusions
5.7.1 It has been a relatively positive year for retailing in Maesteg with a significant reduction in vacancy rates, the lowest recorded since 2008. This suggests investor confidence in the Town Centre.
5.7.2 In addition, the Council continues to make progress in the town with the progress of continuing regeneration initiatives associated with the outdoor market and improvements to the bus station which, alongside the previous public realm enhancement will contribute to making Maesteg more attractive to future investment.
5.7.3 The Town Centre remains highly accessible by all main modes of transport and there is on-going work in terms of crime reduction and public perception surveys.
______30 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council 6. BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH RETAIL SURVEY - OCTOBER 2012
6.1 INTRODUCTION
6.1.1 As outlined in section 1, the Council continues to undertake its own survey into the uses of all of the Established Commercial Centres (ECC’s) within the County Borough.
6.1.2 As with the town centre Health Checks, Technical Advice Note (Wales) Number 4 (TAN 4): Retailing and Town Centres (1996) advocates that area wide information is useful to Local Planning Authorities. TAN 4 states:-
"…the amount and distribution of different forms of retailing across a local authority area can provide a useful profile of the industry and assist in identifying the shopping hierarchy. Usually expressed as total gross floorspace, the main types of retailing identified are: convenience (mainly food) and comparison or durable goods (clothes, DIY, electrical components. etc). Outstanding planning permissions and known commitments should also be monitored."
6.1.3 The retail hierarchy of the County Borough is defined by Policy R1 of the adopted Bridgend Unitary Development Plan as follows:
Sub Regional Centre: Bridgend
Town Centres: Maesteg, Porthcawl
District Centres: Aberkenfig, Blaengarw, Brackla, Caerau, Nantyffyllon, Nantymoel, Ogmore Vale, Pencoed, Pontycymmer and Pyle/Kenfig Hill
6.1.4 A survey was conducted in October 2012 and, whilst all floors of properties were surveyed, in line with other commercially provided data, all figures relate to ground floor uses only. Included in this section are GIS based maps similar to those available commercially, but produced by the Local Planning Authority and these relate to all the County Borough’s ECC’s, including the 3 Town Centres discussed in sections 3 - 5. These give an effective visual presentation of the vitality and viability of the centres by immediately highlighting areas which are rich in commercial activity and those which are not, depicting high levels of vacancies or non-retail uses.
______31 Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council RETAILING AND COMMERCIAL CENTRES 2012 Bridgend
% of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Total Properties Surveyed: 461 943,372.89
Comparison 10021.7 246,805.97 26.2 25.1 Convenience 163.5 124,456.08 13.2 4.0 Services 21646.9 421,563.16 44.7 54.3 Vacant 6614.3 108,625.14 11.5 16.6 Total Comparison / Convenience / 398 901,450.35 Services / Vacant
Demolished 10.2 1,649.14 0.2 Residential 6213.4 40,273.40 4.3
includes Residential Properties Total Other and Community Facilities etc. 63 41,922.54
Comparison Antique Shops 1 1,671.79
Art & Art Dealers 1 892.03
Booksellers 2 6,079.67
Carpets & Flooring 1 475.82
Charity Shops 10 18,330.63
Chemist & Drugstores 5 19,316.05
Childrens & Infants Wear 2 5,403.33
Crafts, Gifts, China & Glass 6 3,831.27
Department & Variety Stores 6 65,081.63
DIY & Home Improvement 3 2,208.01
Electrical & Other Durable Goods 2 4,798.92
Florists 2 2,463.43
Footwear 5 7,535.84
Furniture General 1 5,111.76
Greeting Cards 3 3,914.35
Jewellery, Watches & Silver 5 3,757.18
Ladies & Menswear & Accessories 6 27,333.84
Ladieswear & Accessories 17 29,926.56
Menswear & Accessories 3 3,036.19
Music & Musical Instruments 1 2,850.73
Photographic & Optical 2 2,355.92
01 March 2013 Page 1 of 3 % of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Secondhand Goods, Books, etc. 1 1,860.67
Telephones & Accessories 7 7,369.59
Textiles & Soft Furnishings 1 513.20
Toys, Games & Hobbies 5 5,318.18
Vehicle & Motorcycle Sales 1 12,399.87
Vehicle Accessories 1 2,969.52 Total 100 246,805.97
Convenience Bakers & Confectioners 3 2,703.41
Butchers 1 1,628.11
Confectionery, Tobacco & News 2 1,343.64
Convenience Stores 3 19,576.90
Greengrocers 1 1,037.73
Grocery 1 1,074.43
Health Foods 1 1,154.27
Markets 1 12,150.07
Newsagents & Stationers 1 598.80
Supermarkets 2 83,188.73 Total 16 124,456.08
Services Bars & Wine Bars 1 3,526.93
Betting Shop 4 7,217.45
Bingo & Amusements 2 3,468.29
Building Societies 8 14,308.42
Cafes 15 18,812.82
Cash Generators 1 1,698.18
Chartered Surveyor 1 719.32
Clubs 2 2,416.11
Community Hall 6 21,434.90
Dry Cleaners & Launderettes 1 821.46
Educational Institutions 2 2,701.72
Emergency Services 1 11,741.54
Employment & Careers 3 4,676.21
Fast Food & Take Away 15 14,835.24
Financial Services 9 7,753.71
Food Bank 1 1,233.18
Government & Municipal Buildings 3 38,446.42
Health & Beauty 28 18,469.38
01 March 2013 Page 2 of 3 % of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Hearing Centres 1 841.47
Information & Advice Centres 12 25,942.42
Legal Services 9 15,531.26
Libraries, Museums & Art Galleries 1 2,317.45
Medical Services 6 12,798.25
Nail Bar 1 840.07
Offices 7 19,090.32
Opticians 6 7,635.01
Other Retail Outlets 1 349.90
Other Retail Services 1 1,172.58
Photo Studio 1 1,235.57
Post Offices 1 3,059.38
Property Services 10 13,135.44
Public Houses 11 44,520.46
Religious Institutions 8 25,308.87
Restaurants 7 8,835.75
Retail Banks 5 12,474.03
Shoe Repairs & Key Cutting 2 896.57
Tanning Salon 2 4,581.39
Tattoo Parlour 3 2,329.25
Taxis & Mini-Cabs 4 2,437.64
Telephone Exchange 1 19,185.99
Transport Facilities 2 5,349.92
Travel Agents 6 5,590.12
Vehicle Repairs & Services 4 7,103.17
Video Tape Rental 1 4,719.63 Total 216 421,563.16
Distribution of Outlets by Size 0 - 5000 552,174.27 58.5 5000 - 10000 137,930.14 14.6 10000 - 15000 97,806.57 10.4 15000 - 20000 50,992.51 5.4 25000 - 30000 27,417.02 2.9 75000 - 80000 77,052.38 8.2 Grand Total 943372.89
01 March 2013 Page 3 of 3
RETAILING AND COMMERCIAL CENTRES 2012 Porthcawl
% of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Total Properties Surveyed: 288 445,615.97
Comparison 6723.3 94,116.96 21.1 32.7 Convenience 134.5 39,613.20 8.9 6.3 Services 11339.2 179,635.05 40.3 55.1 Vacant 124.2 13,372.52 3.0 5.9 Total Comparison / Convenience / 205 326,737.73 Services / Vacant
Residential 8328.8 118,878.24 26.7
includes Residential Properties Total Other and Community Facilities etc. 83 118,878.24
Comparison Antique Shops 1 2,280.98
Carpets & Flooring 2 1,214.91
Charity Shops 4 2,921.94
Chemist & Drugstores 4 9,640.99
Childrens & Infants Wear 2 1,979.79
Crafts, Gifts, China & Glass 7 6,063.96
Cycles & Accessories 1 2,444.54
Department & Variety Stores 4 13,010.36
DIY & Home Improvement 3 2,598.39
Electrical & Other Durable Goods 2 1,700.98
Florists 2 2,785.66
Footwear 5 6,752.71
Furniture General 2 6,001.51
Greeting Cards 2 2,804.98
Jewellery, Watches & Silver 3 4,161.59
Ladies & Menswear & Accessories 4 11,250.27
Ladieswear & Accessories 6 4,981.07
Leather & Travel Goods 1 256.36
Medical Appliance and Instrument Shop 2 1,588.50
Office Supplies 1 956.65
Secondhand Goods, Books, etc. 1 720.28
28 February 2013 Page 1 of 3 % of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Sports, Camping & Leisure Goods 1 1,777.18
Telephones & Accessories 1 1,163.43
Textiles & Soft Furnishings 2 2,001.22
Toiletries, Cosmetics & Beauty Products 1 804.84
Toys, Games & Hobbies 3 2,253.88 Total 67 94,116.96
Convenience Bakers & Confectioners 1 1,079.31
Butchers 1 1,330.24
Confectionery, Tobacco & News 2 2,199.57
Convenience Stores 1 1,578.85
Greengrocers 2 2,130.45
Grocers & Delicatessens 1 1,184.26
Health Foods 1 851.72
Off Licences 1 1,448.92
Supermarkets 3 27,809.87 Total 13 39,613.20
Services Bars & Wine Bars 1 331.36
Betting Shop 3 3,728.08
Bingo & Amusements 1 943.95
Building Societies 3 3,199.33
Cafes 8 11,442.50
Cinemas, Theatres & Concert Halls 1 7,771.61
Clubs 4 11,843.64
Disco, Dance & Nightclubs 1 1,506.28
Dry Cleaners & Launderettes 1 1,116.66
Emergency Services 1 5,452.65
Employment & Careers 1 1,145.80
Fast Food & Take Away 7 7,159.31
Financial Services 2 1,345.82
Health & Beauty 11 10,128.90
Hotels & Guest Houses 10 14,556.11
Information & Advice Centres 1 1,987.77
Legal Services 2 2,204.43
Libraries, Museums & Art Galleries 1 3,495.06
Medical Services 3 6,098.54
Offices 1 1,001.06
28 February 2013 Page 2 of 3 % of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Opticians 2 2,023.48
Other Retail Services 1 715.30
Photo Studio 1 965.50
Printing & Copying 2 2,544.11
Property Services 5 3,943.46
Public Houses 13 31,286.67
Religious Institutions 2 8,672.37
Restaurant 1 2,196.45
Restaurants 9 9,812.12
Retail Banks 3 6,881.88
Shoe Repairs & Key Cutting 1 337.59
Sports & Leisure Facilities 1 1,514.49
Tanning Salon 1 1,680.52
Tattoo Parlour 2 1,252.29
Taxis & Mini-Cabs 1 1,081.33
Travel Agents 3 4,820.24
Vehicle Repairs & Services 2 3,448.39 Total 113 179,635.05
Distribution of Outlets by Size 0 - 5000 343,176.98 77.0 5000 - 10000 51,612.87 11.6 10000 - 15000 14,065.47 3.2 15000 - 20000 15,589.62 3.5 20000 - 25000 21,171.03 4.8 Grand Total 445615.97
28 February 2013 Page 3 of 3
RETAILING AND COMMERCIAL CENTRES 2012 Maesteg
% of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Total Properties Surveyed: 174 292,878.27
Comparison 3721.3 61,240.57 20.9 23.4 Convenience 137.5 64,119.65 21.9 8.2 Services 9152.3 132,495.34 45.2 57.6 Vacant 179.8 24,297.71 8.3 10.8 Total Comparison / Convenience / 158 282,153.28 Services / Vacant
Residential 169.2 10,724.99 3.7
includes Residential Properties Total Other and Community Facilities etc. 16 10,724.99
Comparison Carpets & Flooring 1 1,258.83
Catalogue Showrooms 1 5,769.70
Charity Shops 3 5,560.58
Chemist & Drugstores 4 6,036.40
Childrens & Infants Wear 2 2,037.17
Clothing & Fancy Dress Sale/Hire 1 474.83
Crafts, Gifts, China & Glass 1 801.86
Department & Variety Stores 1 3,463.46
DIY & Home Improvement 4 3,825.25
Florists 3 3,367.64
Footwear 1 1,485.68
Furniture General 1 4,547.70
Greeting Cards 1 1,206.09
Jewellery, Watches & Silver 2 775.67
Ladies & Menswear & Accessories 2 4,887.50
Ladieswear & Accessories 4 5,642.09
Other Comparison Goods 1 5,459.18
Secondhand Goods, Books, etc. 1 1,209.54
Sports, Camping & Leisure Goods 2 2,299.39
Toys, Games & Hobbies 1 1,132.00
01 March 2013 Page 1 of 3 % of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Total 37 61,240.57
Convenience Bakers & Confectioners 4 2,816.24
Greengrocers 1 586.77
Markets 1 10,040.66
Off Licences 1 1,066.36
Supermarkets 6 49,609.62 Total 13 64,119.65
Services Betting Shop 2 3,505.37
Bingo & Amusements 1 2,560.74
Building Societies 2 5,489.23
Cafes 4 4,703.41
Cash Generators 1 1,045.13
Clubs 2 4,835.47
Community Hall 2 5,522.53
Disco, Dance & Nightclubs 1 7,409.04
Dry Cleaners & Launderettes 1 646.65
Educational Institutions 2 3,061.75
Emergency Services 1 3,160.50
Employment & Careers 1 1,134.75
Fast Food & Take Away 12 11,114.55
Financial Services 3 2,231.67
Government & Municipal Buildings 1 2,111.36
Health & Beauty 11 6,081.30
Information & Advice Centres 2 5,812.93
Legal Services 2 1,520.81
Libraries, Museums & Art Galleries 1 2,552.35
Medical Services 4 7,440.88
Opticians 3 3,870.52
Other Business Services 1 743.27
Post Offices 1 2,935.13
Property Services 4 4,146.44
Public Houses 7 13,747.32
Religious Institutions 1 3,016.78
Repairs, Alterations & Restoration 1 592.30
Restaurants 3 4,144.66
Retail Banks 2 4,764.11
01 March 2013 Page 2 of 3 % of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Shoe Repairs & Key Cutting 1 289.12
Tanning Salon 2 2,276.75
Tattoo Parlour 1 293.47
Taxis & Mini-Cabs 1 345.99
Travel Agents 3 2,694.53
TV, Cable & Video Rental 1 1,459.21
Vehicle Repairs & Services 3 5,235.35 Total 91 132,495.34
Distribution of Outlets by Size 0 - 5000 219,067.23 74.8 5000 - 10000 35,484.92 12.1 10000 - 15000 21,541.34 7.4 15000 - 20000 16,784.77 5.7 Grand Total 292878.27
01 March 2013 Page 3 of 3
RETAILING AND COMMERCIAL CENTRES 2012 Aberkenfig
% of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Total Properties Surveyed: 90 106,009.48
Comparison 1415.6 20,630.50 19.5 25.9 Convenience 44.4 4,789.30 4.5 7.4 Services 2831.1 47,046.92 44.4 51.9 Vacant 88.9 8,861.91 8.4 14.8 Total Comparison / Convenience / 54 81,328.64 Services / Vacant
Residential 3640.0 24,680.84 23.3
includes Residential Properties Total Other and Community Facilities etc. 36 24,680.84
Comparison Carpets & Flooring 1 949.25
Chemist & Drugstores 1 1,967.05
Clothing & Fancy Dress Sale/Hire 1 485.27
Cycles & Accessories 1 1,340.60
DIY & Home Improvement 2 3,502.61
Electrical & Other Durable Goods 1 1,018.96
Florists 1 377.07
Furniture General 2 4,621.83
Secondhand Goods, Books, etc. 1 1,227.27
Sports, Camping & Leisure Goods 2 3,929.09
Toys, Games & Hobbies 1 1,211.50 Total 14 20,630.50
Convenience Confectionery, Tobacco & News 1 1,024.80
Convenience Stores 3 3,764.50 Total 4 4,789.30
Services Betting Shop 1 921.94
Cafes 2 2,118.70
Clubs 3 8,855.42
01 March 2013 Page 1 of 2 % of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Emergency Services 1 2,494.76
Fast Food & Take Away 3 3,710.33
Health & Beauty 4 3,159.71
Libraries, Museums & Art Galleries 1 3,173.58
Medical Services 1 1,096.14
Post Offices 1 1,687.51
Public Houses 2 3,959.00
Religious Institutions 1 2,256.92
Restaurants 4 11,830.84
Taxis & Mini-Cabs 4 1,782.05 Total 28 47,046.92
Distribution of Outlets by Size 0 - 5000 95,738.91 90.3 5000 - 10000 10,270.57 9.7 Grand Total 106009.48
01 March 2013 Page 2 of 2
RETAILING AND COMMERCIAL CENTRES 2012 Blaengarw
% of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Total Properties Surveyed: 33 36,025.03
Convenience 13.0 1,206.53 3.3 8.3 Services 824.2 18,776.74 52.1 66.7 Vacant 39.1 1,793.31 5.0 25.0 Total Comparison / Convenience / 12 21,776.57 Services / Vacant
Residential 2163.6 14,248.46 39.6
includes Residential Properties Total Other and Community Facilities etc. 21 14,248.46
Convenience Newsagents & Stationers 1 1,206.53 Total 1 1,206.53
Services Cafes 1 570.12
Clubs 1 3,775.60
Community Hall 1 5,055.98
Fast Food & Take Away 1 675.12
Health & Beauty 1 1,153.35
Post Offices 1 844.69
Public Houses 1 4,452.07
Religious Institutions 1 2,249.81 Total 8 18,776.74
Distribution of Outlets by Size 0 - 5000 30,969.06 86.0 5000 - 10000 5,055.98 14.0 Grand Total 36025.034
21 February 2013 Page 1 of 1
RETAILING AND COMMERCIAL CENTRES 2012 Brackla
% of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Total Properties Surveyed: 20 49,154.21
Comparison 315.0 4,084.12 8.3 15.0 Convenience 420.0 18,249.76 37.1 20.0 Services 1050.0 21,696.64 44.1 50.0 Vacant 315.0 5,123.69 10.4 15.0 Total Comparison / Convenience / 20 49,154.21 Services / Vacant
Comparison Charity Shops 2 1,976.87
Chemist & Drugstores 1 2,107.25 Total 3 4,084.12
Convenience Bakers & Confectioners 1 1,128.19
Greengrocers 1 13,957.47
Newsagents & Stationers 1 2,108.05
Off Licences 1 1,056.06 Total 4 18,249.76
Services Casinos & Betting Offices 1 1,021.78
Fast Food & Take Away 4 4,013.58
Health & Beauty 1 1,096.01
Opticians 1 1,069.54
Religious Institutions 1 7,541.57
Sports & Leisure Facilities 2 6,954.16 Total 10 21,696.64
21 February 2013 Page 1 of 2 % of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Distribution of Outlets by Size 0 - 5000 27,655.17 56.3 5000 - 10000 7,541.57 15.3 10000 - 15000 13,957.47 28.4 Grand Total 49154.214
21 February 2013 Page 2 of 2
RETAILING AND COMMERCIAL CENTRES 2012 Caerau
% of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Total Properties Surveyed: 53 48,792.80
Comparison 11.9 847.91 1.7 4.8 Convenience 23.8 2,877.51 5.9 9.5 Services 1426.4 17,839.69 36.6 66.7 Vacant 47.5 5,857.26 12.0 19.0 Total Comparison / Convenience / 21 27,422.37 Services / Vacant
Residential 3260.4 21,370.43 43.8
includes Residential Properties Total Other and Community Facilities etc. 32 21,370.43
Comparison Chemist & Drugstores 1 847.91 Total 1 847.91
Convenience Convenience Stores 2 2,877.51 Total 2 2,877.51
Services Betting Shop 1 1,148.53
Clubs 1 2,109.67
Emergency Services 1 1,502.89
Fast Food & Take Away 3 2,277.55
Financial Services 1 619.29
Health & Beauty 2 1,267.67
Opticians 1 816.92
Public Houses 2 6,618.86
Taxis & Mini-Cabs 1 783.75
Vehicle Repairs & Services 1 694.56 Total 14 17,839.69
21 February 2013 Page 1 of 2 % of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Distribution of Outlets by Size 0 - 5000 48,792.80 100.0 Grand Total 48792.8
21 February 2013 Page 2 of 2
RETAILING AND COMMERCIAL CENTRES 2012 Nantyffyllon
% of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Total Properties Surveyed: 89 65,307.89
Comparison 22.2 1,639.79 2.5 16.7 Convenience 22.2 2,529.82 3.9 16.7 Services 77.9 12,422.27 19.0 58.3 Vacant 11.1 769.71 1.2 8.3 Total Comparison / Convenience / 12 17,361.59 Services / Vacant
Residential 7786.5 47,946.30 73.4
includes Residential Properties Total Other and Community Facilities etc. 77 47,946.30
Comparison Electrical & Other Durable Goods 1 726.30
Vehicle Accessories 1 913.50 Total 2 1,639.79
Convenience Convenience Stores 1 940.89
Greengrocers 1 1,588.93 Total 2 2,529.82
Services Clubs 1 2,316.94
Fast Food & Take Away 1 845.50
Health & Beauty 1 640.16
Post Offices 1 1,156.91
Public Houses 1 1,889.39
Religious Institutions 2 5,573.38 Total 7 12,422.27
Distribution of Outlets by Size 0 - 5000 65,307.89 100.0 Grand Total 65307.888
26 February 2013 Page 1 of 2 % of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
26 February 2013 Page 2 of 2
RETAILING AND COMMERCIAL CENTRES 2012 Nantymoel
% of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Total Properties Surveyed: 124 126,397.07
Comparison 32.4 2,056.52 1.6 11.5 Convenience 32.4 6,437.56 5.1 11.5 Services 1612.9 34,434.96 27.2 61.5 Vacant 43.2 4,449.09 3.5 15.4 Total Comparison / Convenience / 26 47,378.13 Services / Vacant
Residential 9879.0 79,018.95 62.5
includes Residential Properties Total Other and Community Facilities etc. 98 79,018.95
Comparison Charity Shops 1 473.47
Chemist & Drugstores 1 682.72
Florists 1 900.33 Total 3 2,056.52
Convenience Convenience Stores 3 6,437.56 Total 3 6,437.56
Services Cinemas, Theatres & Concert Halls 1 6,628.17
Clubs 2 12,422.17
Fast Food & Take Away 4 2,459.40
Filling Stations 1 991.29
Health & Beauty 2 1,365.74
Medical Services 1 1,953.75
Offices 1 600.10
Post Offices 1 896.96
Public Houses 2 6,283.16
Tattoo Parlour 1 834.22 Total 16 34,434.96
26 February 2013 Page 1 of 2 % of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Distribution of Outlets by Size 0 - 5000 98,079.28 77.6 5000 - 10000 28,317.79 22.4 Grand Total 126397.07
26 February 2013 Page 2 of 2
RETAILING AND COMMERCIAL CENTRES 2012 Ogmore Vale
% of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Total Properties Surveyed: 152 139,078.00
Comparison 42.6 5,318.96 3.8 10.0 Convenience 32.0 2,929.72 2.1 7.5 Services 2315.1 34,982.57 25.2 57.5 Vacant 106.6 12,608.40 9.1 25.0 Total Comparison / Convenience / 40 55,839.65 Services / Vacant
Residential 11273.7 83,238.35 59.9
includes Residential Properties Total Other and Community Facilities etc. 112 83,238.35
Comparison Charity Shops 1 554.98
Chemist & Drugstores 1 1,526.35
Furniture General 1 2,925.34
Textiles & Soft Furnishings 1 312.28 Total 4 5,318.96
Convenience Convenience Stores 2 2,265.45
Newsagents & Stationers 1 664.27 Total 3 2,929.72
Services Building Societies 1 1,673.23
Cafes 2 1,467.61
Cash Generators 1 520.47
Clubs 3 7,781.06
Community Hall 2 2,897.51
Fast Food & Take Away 3 5,029.57
Health & Beauty 4 2,710.21
Medical Services 2 3,279.99
Opticians 1 683.75
Religious Institutions 2 4,084.21
01 March 2013 Page 1 of 2 % of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Telephone Exchange 1 3,527.34
Vehicle Repairs & Services 1 1,327.62 Total 23 34,982.57
Distribution of Outlets by Size 0 - 5000 139,078.00 100.0 Grand Total 139078.00
01 March 2013 Page 2 of 2
RETAILING AND COMMERCIAL CENTRES 2012 Pencoed
% of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Total Properties Surveyed: 83 86,256.71
Comparison 1113.3 8,694.79 10.1 16.4 Convenience 78.4 15,609.42 18.1 10.4 Services 4250.6 43,512.54 50.4 62.7 Vacant 78.4 4,856.69 5.6 10.4 Total Comparison / Convenience / 67 72,673.45 Services / Vacant
Residential 1619.3 13,583.26 15.7
includes Residential Properties Total Other and Community Facilities etc. 16 13,583.26
Comparison Carpets & Flooring 2 2,431.51
Charity Shops 1 489.80
Chemist & Drugstores 2 2,128.70
Childrens & Infants Wear 1 484.24
Crafts, Gifts, China & Glass 1 1,116.89
Florists 2 1,054.47
Toys, Games & Hobbies 1 541.70
Vacant Retail/Service 1 447.48 Total 11 8,694.79
Convenience Bakers & Confectioners 1 1,078.01
Butchers 1 307.24
Greengrocers 1 751.63
Newsagents & Stationers 1 1,179.54
Supermarkets 3 12,293.00 Total 7 15,609.42
Services Building Societies 1 1,683.21
Business Goods & Services 1 355.51
Cafes 2 1,220.49
26 February 2013 Page 1 of 2 % of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Community Hall 1 3,868.46
Fast Food & Take Away 4 4,719.36
Filling Stations 1 2,181.03
Financial Services 1 398.85
Health & Beauty 10 7,289.63
Information & Advice Centres 1 380.43
Legal Services 1 703.96
Libraries, Museums & Art Galleries 1 2,080.07
Medical Services 3 2,745.15
Opticians 1 975.17
Photo Studio 1 484.37
Post Offices 1 486.25
Property Services 3 2,247.44
Public Houses 2 4,433.47
Religious Institutions 1 2,341.87
Repairs, Alterations & Restoration 1 396.91
Restaurants 2 2,117.95
Tattoo Parlour 2 1,562.98
Taxis & Mini-Cabs 1 839.99 Total 42 43,512.54
Distribution of Outlets by Size 0 - 5000 79,502.90 92.2 5000 - 10000 6,753.81 7.8 Grand Total 86256.708
26 February 2013 Page 2 of 2
RETAILING AND COMMERCIAL CENTRES 2012 Pontycymmer
% of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Total Properties Surveyed: 125 95,410.00
Comparison 97.2 8,233.96 8.6 15.8 Convenience 21.6 5,533.87 5.8 3.5 Services 3124.8 31,457.54 33.0 54.4 Vacant 1512.0 10,963.38 11.5 26.3 Total Comparison / Convenience / 57 56,188.76 Services / Vacant
Residential 6854.4 39,221.25 41.1
includes Residential Properties Total Other and Community Facilities etc. 68 39,221.25
Comparison Charity Shops 2 1,113.30
Clothing & Fancy Dress Sale/Hire 2 2,622.82
Florists 2 1,048.64
Footwear 1 1,164.63
Ladies & Menswear & Accessories 1 1,037.37
Menswear & Accessories 1 1,247.21 Total 9 8,233.96
Convenience Convenience Stores 1 1,421.37
Supermarkets 1 4,112.51 Total 2 5,533.87
Services Betting Shop 1 537.80
Building Societies 1 573.27
Clubs 3 6,776.21
Fast Food & Take Away 7 7,303.26
Financial Services 3 3,305.74
Health & Beauty 6 3,117.16
Information & Advice Centres 1 766.16
Libraries, Museums & Art Galleries 1 1,134.06
26 February 2013 Page 1 of 2 % of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Medical Services 2 2,531.33
Opticians 1 866.21
Post Offices 1 353.07
Property Services 2 1,650.21
Public Houses 1 983.95
Sports & Leisure Facilities 1 1,559.11 Total 31 31,457.54
Distribution of Outlets by Size 0 - 5000 95,410.00 100.0 Grand Total 95410.004
26 February 2013 Page 2 of 2
RETAILING AND COMMERCIAL CENTRES 2012 Pyle - Kenfig Hill
% of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Total Properties Surveyed: 201 231,101.55
Comparison 147.0 24,082.15 10.4 21.5 Convenience 73.5 57,284.15 24.8 10.8 Services 3818.9 48,967.30 21.2 58.5 Vacant 63.0 4,781.35 2.1 9.2 Total Comparison / Convenience / 65 135,114.94 Services / Vacant
Residential 13667.7 95,986.61 41.5
includes Residential Properties Total Other and Community Facilities etc. 136 95,986.61
Comparison Antique Shops 1 506.69
Carpets & Flooring 1 655.71
Catalogue Showrooms 1 11,339.23
Charity Shops 1 885.94
Chemist & Drugstores 1 1,209.15
Crafts, Gifts, China & Glass 1 870.33
Department & Variety Stores 1 2,068.65
Electrical & Other Durable Goods 2 1,637.56
Florists 1 765.00
Ladieswear & Accessories 1 775.51
Leather & Travel Goods 1 921.79
Toys, Games & Hobbies 2 2,446.59 Total 14 24,082.15
Convenience Butchers 1 697.89
Confectionery, Tobacco & News 2 1,556.04
Convenience Stores 1 639.28
Off Licences 1 911.32
Supermarkets 2 53,479.62 Total 7 57,284.15
26 February 2013 Page 1 of 2 % of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units Services Building Societies 1 552.43
Business Goods & Services 2 2,815.46
Clubs 2 8,817.33
Community Hall 1 1,194.04
Dry Cleaners & Launderettes 1 1,020.52
Educational Institutions 1 1,264.84
Fast Food & Take Away 6 4,944.23
Filling Stations 1 5,893.02
Financial Services 1 971.68
Funeral Director 1 695.27
Health & Beauty 7 6,206.05
Information & Advice Centres 1 1,983.46
Nail Bar 1 658.64
Nursing Agency Office 1 1,100.97
Opticians 2 1,523.25
Other Business Services 1 1,391.77
Photo Studio 1 570.56
Post Offices 2 1,865.15
Property Services 2 1,419.54
Public Houses 1 2,459.44
Retail Banks 1 772.78
Travel Agents 1 846.88 Total 38 48,967.30
Distribution of Outlets by Size 0 - 5000 162,914.44 70.5 5000 - 10000 5,893.02 2.5 10000 - 15000 11,339.23 4.9 50000 - 55000 50,954.86 22.0 Grand Total 231101.55
26 February 2013 Page 2 of 2
RETAILING AND Established Commercial COMMERCIAL CENTRES 2012 Centres
% of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Total Properties Surveyed: 1893 2,664,485.78
Comparison 26514.0 477,752.21 23.0 23.3 Convenience 774.1 345,636.57 16.7 6.8 Services 63733.7 1,044,456.24 50.4 56.1 Vacant 1568.2 206,360.15 9.9 13.7 Total Comparison / Convenience / 1135 2,074,205.17 Services / Vacant
Demolished 10.1 1,649.14 1.3 Residential 75740.0 588,631.47 450.0 includes Residential Properties 758 590,280.61 Total Other and Community Facilities etc.
Comparison Antique Shops 3 4,459.47
Art & Art Dealers 1 892.03
Booksellers 2 6,079.67
Carpets & Flooring 8 6,986.03
Catalogue Showrooms 2 17,108.94
Charity Shops 25 32,307.51
Chemist & Drugstores 21 45,462.57
Childrens & Infants Wear 7 9,904.53
Clothing & Fancy Dress Sale/Hire 4 3,582.92
Crafts, Gifts, China & Glass 16 12,684.32
Cycles & Accessories 2 3,785.14
Department & Variety Stores 12 83,624.10
DIY & Home Improvement 12 12,134.26
Electrical & Other Durable Goods 8 9,882.71
Florists 14 12,762.23
Footwear 12 16,938.85
Furniture General 7 23,208.14
Greeting Cards 6 7,925.42
Jewellery, Watches & Silver 10 8,694.45
Ladies & Menswear & Accessories 13 44,508.96
Ladieswear & Accessories 28 41,325.23
08 May 2013 Page 1 of 4 % of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Leather & Travel Goods 2 1,178.15
Medical Appliance and Instrument Shop 2 1,588.50
Menswear & Accessories 4 4,283.40
Music & Musical Instruments 1 2,850.73
Office Supplies 1 956.65
Other Comparison Goods 1 5,459.18
Photographic & Optical 2 2,355.92
Secondhand Goods, Books, etc. 4 5,017.75
Sports, Camping & Leisure Goods 5 8,005.66
Telephones & Accessories 8 8,533.02
Textiles & Soft Furnishings 4 2,826.71
Toiletries, Cosmetics & Beauty Products 1 804.84
Toys, Games & Hobbies 13 12,903.85
Vacant Retail/Service 1 447.48
Vehicle & Motorcycle Sales 1 12,399.87
Vehicle Accessories 2 3,883.02 Total 265 477,752.21
Convenience Bakers & Confectioners 10 8,805.16
Butchers 4 3,963.48
Confectionery, Tobacco & News 7 6,124.05
Convenience Stores 17 39,502.30
Greengrocers 7 20,052.98
Grocers & Delicatessens 1 1,184.26
Grocery 1 1,074.43
Health Foods 2 2,005.99
Markets 2 22,190.73
Newsagents & Stationers 5 5,757.19
Off Licences 4 4,482.66
Supermarkets 17 230,493.34 Total 77 345,636.57
Services Bars & Wine Bars 2 3,858.29
Betting Shop 12 17,059.17
Bingo & Amusements 4 6,972.98
Building Societies 17 27,479.13
Business Goods & Services 3 3,170.96
Cafes 34 40,335.65
08 May 2013 Page 2 of 4 % of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Cash Generators 3 3,263.78
Casinos & Betting Offices 1 1,021.78
Chartered Surveyor 1 719.32
Cinemas, Theatres & Concert Halls 2 14,399.78
Clubs 24 71,949.61
Community Hall 13 39,973.41
Disco, Dance & Nightclubs 2 8,915.31
Dry Cleaners & Launderettes 4 3,605.28
Educational Institutions 5 7,028.31
Emergency Services 5 24,352.35
Employment & Careers 5 6,956.77
Fast Food & Take Away 70 69,142.21
Filling Stations 3 9,065.34
Financial Services 20 16,626.76
Food Bank 1 1,233.18
Funeral Director 1 695.27
Government & Municipal Buildings 4 40,557.78
Health & Beauty 88 62,255.56
Hearing Centres 1 841.47
Hotels & Guest Houses 10 14,556.11
Information & Advice Centres 18 36,873.16
Legal Services 14 19,960.46
Libraries, Museums & Art Galleries 6 14,752.58
Medical Services 22 37,944.04
Nail Bar 2 1,498.71
Nursing Agency Office 1 1,100.97
Offices 9 20,691.47
Opticians 18 19,463.85
Other Business Services 2 2,135.04
Other Retail Outlets 1 349.90
Other Retail Services 2 1,887.87
Photo Studio 4 3,256.01
Post Offices 10 13,285.04
Printing & Copying 2 2,544.11
Property Services 26 26,542.54
Public Houses 43 120,633.80
Religious Institutions 19 61,045.79
Repairs, Alterations & Restoration 2 989.20
Restaurant 1 2,196.45
08 May 2013 Page 3 of 4 % of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Restaurants 25 36,741.32
Retail Banks 11 24,892.80
Shoe Repairs & Key Cutting 4 1,523.27
Sports & Leisure Facilities 4 10,027.76
Tanning Salon 5 8,538.66
Tattoo Parlour 9 6,272.20
Taxis & Mini-Cabs 12 7,270.76
Telephone Exchange 2 22,713.33
Transport Facilities 2 5,349.92
Travel Agents 13 13,951.77
TV, Cable & Video Rental 1 1,459.21
Vehicle Repairs & Services 11 17,809.10
Video Tape Rental 1 4,719.63 Total 637 1,044,456.24
Distribution of Outlets by Size 0 - 5000 1,956,952.83 73.4
5000 - 10000 288,860.67 10.8 10000 - 15000 158,710.08 6.0
15000 - 20000 83,366.91 3.1 20000 - 25000 21,171.03 0.8 25000 - 30000 27,417.02 1.0
50000 - 55000 50,954.86 1.9 75000 - 80000 77,052.38 2.9 Grand Total 2664485.8
08 May 2013 Page 4 of 4 RETAILING AND COMMERCIAL CENTRES 2012 Retail Park/Supermarket
% of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Total Properties Surveyed: 29 450,928.43
Comparison 1862.1 280,675.02 62.2 62.1 Convenience 26.9 98,354.11 21.8 6.9 Services 620.7 34,653.55 7.7 20.7 Vacant 310.3 37,245.75 8.3 10.3 Total Comparison / Convenience / 29 450,928.43 Services / Vacant
Comparison Carpets & Flooring 1 10,854.77
Catalogue Showrooms 1 19,618.65
DIY & Home Improvement 3 122,626.88
Electrical & Other Durable Goods 2 21,978.54
Footwear 1 11,040.02
Furniture General 3 27,505.89
Ladies & Menswear & Accessories 1 8,440.42
Other Comparison Goods 1 3,350.73
Textiles & Soft Furnishings 1 25,005.82
Toys, Games & Hobbies 1 11,136.51
Vehicle & Motorcycle Sales 2 7,736.03
Vehicle Accessories 1 11,380.77 Total 18 280,675.02
Convenience Supermarkets 2 98,354.11 Total 2 98,354.11
Services Fast Food & Take Away 2 7,007.23
Filling Stations 1 5,946.97
Sports & Leisure Facilities 1 15,675.29
14 March 2013 Page 1 of 2 % of Commercial No. of Units%% Area (sq. ft.) Units
Transport Facilities 1 1,402.74
Vehicle Repairs & Services 1 4,621.33 Total 6 34,653.55
Distribution of Outlets by Size 0 - 5000 24,118.05 5.3 5000 - 10000 36,814.17 8.2
10000 - 15000 88,113.60 19.5 15000 - 20000 35,293.94 7.8
20000 - 25000 43,248.53 9.6 25000 - 30000 50,499.75 11.2 35000 - 40000 39,763.58 8.8
55000 - 60000 57,369.37 12.7 75000 - 80000 75,707.43 16.8 Grand Total 450928.43
14 March 2013 Page 2 of 2
6.2 CONCLUSIONS
6.2.1 The total floorspace for Established Commercial Centres (ECC’s), Retail Parks and Foodstores within Bridgend County Borough is approximately 2.5 million square foot. The floorspace vacancy rates are just under 14%, a decrease on last year’s figure.
6.2.2 In Bridgend Town Centre, primary and secondary retail rents dropped but remain comparable with other town centres in the South Wales regions who also witnessed similar drops in rental values. Retail yields have stabilised suggesting that investor confidence in Bridgend is stable. Vacancy rates have also shown a reduction for the second successive year.
6.2.3 Porthcawl continues to suffer from adverse weather conditions and its impact on town centre retailing. This is reflected in the annual footfall figures. However vacancy rates remain well below the national average and the town continues to benefit from investment though TIG funding and the on-going Regeneration of the Waterfront.
6.2.4 2012 bought a successful year for Maesteg with a significant reduction in the vacancy rates which are complimented by the on-going investment in the town through regeneration activities focussed on the outdoor market and bus station, which will make Maesteg a more attractive investment prospect.
6.2.5 This eleventh survey has built upon the previous years studies which will provide a sound basis for future reviews of retailing provision in the County Borough and the vitality, viability and attractiveness of all its Established Commercial Centres (ECC’s). These statistics, when recorded and compared on an annual basis, will facilitate trends to be observed over time, and enable planning policies of the County Borough Council to be monitored and, where necessary, to be updated in response to the need for change.
COPYRIGHT NOTICES
All plans are drawn using an Ordnance Survey Base with the Permission of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or Civil Proceedings. (Bridgend County Borough Council License No. 100023405).
The data contained upon this base layer (and tables in Section 6) belongs to Bridgend County Borough Council and may not be sold, transferred, copied or reproduced without prior written consent of Bridgend County Borough Council.
______Retailing and Commercial Centres in Bridgend County Borough 2012 Bridgend County Borough Council