Turning-around a Town Centre; Worksop’s Forward Framework

www.people-places.co.uk 2 Turning-around a town centre

Research Partners The People & Places Partnership has been commissioned by the Local Government Association to develop a ‘Forwad Framework’ for Worksop town centre on behalf of Council and key local stakeholders. Worksop’s Forward Framework 3

Understanding our town centres is about people & place. About the customers and the businesses based there. About the built fabric and sense of community created. Local perceptions & priorities

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ocal people’s perceptions about the town Asking town centre users about their future priorities centre will be important in understanding will help identify concerns that can then be checked L how it serves their needs and how this against the realities of current and probable future is changing. In our survey of mid-week town performance. In the case of Worksop there are centre users in Worksop, we found they valued the increasing concerns and rising expecations about the familiarity of convenience, accessibility and social need to maintain a diverse variety of shops. There interaction above its commercial function. The are modest concerns about access and parking. indication is that it is important to maintain these There are also a small but signifant number of calls to aspects to ensure that people continue to use and reduce anti-social behaviour; an issue of increasing gain maximum benefit from the town centre. national prominence. 4 Turning-around a town centre The evidence

o try and improve a town centre without propely T understanding the issues, is like baking a cake without knowing the ingredients. We always use the same process of bringing together existing local research, surveying local stakeholders and collecting our own suite of key performance indicators. In Worksop we turned to two main studies and undertook a small survey of town centre users.

Retail & Leisure Townscape A distrct-wide retail and The Worksop Intervention People’s perceptions leisure study undertaken Strategy from 2016 highlights in 2016 contains a wealth ways to enhance the physical & comparable places of data on the importance ‘towscape’ in and around the To get a sense of priorty in dealing of Worksop as a local centre. Its focus is on key with town centre issues in Worksop, destination for comparison changes to make Worksop we compared customers’ perceptions shopping as well as its a more appealing place to with those in similar-sized towns.. This vulnerability to any out-of- visit, linger and spend money revealed a lot of positive sentiments town expansion. in. The Strategy guided and only two main negatives: the retail successful funding bids The data in the study also mix and aspects of physical appearance. and will shape a new ‘Town showed the potential to Centre Concept’ and Local expand leisure provision and Plan policy. the evening economy. Worksop’s Forward Framework 5

Sustaining shopping Evolving leisure Worksop currently has a strong The Savoy Cinema is an important comparison retail offer, accounting for addition to the town centre’s leisure 48% of floorspace compared to 38% for offer and there is the opportunity to comparable towns nationally. add to this with more restaurants.

Empty small shops Appearance v cleanliness Measured by floorspace, vacancy rates The recent survey indicates that whilst are comparable to other towns because customers value a cleaner town centre the majority of the empty units in they remain more negative about its Worksop are smaller shops. long-term physical appearance. 6 Turning-around a town centre Emerging issues

evelopments of ‘big box’ retail destinations… D can directly compete with the town centre offer, jeopardising the vitality and viability of the centres.

Bassetlaw District Retail and Leisure Study 2016.

Town Centre First Priory priority Like so many places, The Priory Shopping Centre Worksop faces the twin is an important part of challenge of sustaining a Worksop’s popular appeal. vibrant town centre whilst In response to tenancy serving the local demand changes and planning for convenient shopping applications, maintaining provided by household the Priory’s offer is an names. important priority in helping sustain town centre footfall. The 2016 Retaii Study For example, proposals to highlighted these pressures conslodiate units to provide and the need to have robust larger and more flexible town-centre-first policies in premises were welcomed the Local Plan that seek to in the 2016 Retail Study as assess impact and extend a way of maintaining the current High Street capacity. Shopping Centre’s appeal. Worksop’s Forward Framework 7

A sense of arrival

This will include consideration of the different types This theme is focused on ensuring that visitors of car parks, the current signage and how traffic must be sure that they have “arrived in Worksop” and pedestrians move around the town. and that they have a good first impression of the Cafe culture Looking good Pridetown. Worksop isof well connectedplace by road including the A57 (east/west direction), the A60 (north and Objectives Bringing together south) and the A619 (southwest) which provide “The few existing café “Worksop town centre “goodA distinct connections to the character A1 and M1. The town is These are the main objectives for this theme: partners & priorities also served by a recently purpose-built bus station spaces and restaurants will be a thriving envi- andand train identity, station, both are withwithin close many proximity to the town centre. Furthermore, the Chesterfield 1. To instil a sense of arrival when people Canal which runs directly through the town in an to the south of Worksop ronment for high quality stories to tell and fantas- visit Worksop, North Beware the person fo- east/west direction is another route for visitors to enter the town. Therefore, there are several key 2. To create attractive gateways into the cused on single issues complement the Savoy shopping, leisure, cul- ticentry experiences points into the town from tomost bedirections had. and town for all users (vehicular and non- modes of transport. and quick fixes! Reviving Cinema, and the area tural and entertainment A regionally important vehicular) Interventions within this theme will also look at a town centre’s fortunes would benefit from an purposes. Worksop will commercialensuring visitors to the areatown will havewith access rich to 3. To provide clear and relevant signposting clear and accurate directional signage to ensure it for visitors’ needs involves understanding increased focus in devel- boast attractive streets cultural,is easy to navigate social around the and town. histor- the issues, the linkages oping an active evening and spaces providing high ic8 significance www.bassetlaw.gov.uk that make between them and coordi- economy to draw visitors quality spaces to live, it one of the UK’s most nating the work of partners to Worksop.” work and spend time in.” invigorating places” with the passion, skills and Bassetlaw District Retail Worksop Intervention North Notts Business Im- resources to tackle them.. and Leisure Study 2016 Strategy 2016 provement District (BID) 28 8 Turning-around a town centre 29 YOUR BID STEERING GROUP Putting the The North Notts BID Steering Group is made up of passionate local business people, across different business sectors dedicated to getting the North Notts BID off the ground. partnership The members of the BID Steering Group have given their time voluntarily over many months to create this BID business plan. If the BID achieves a ‘yes’ vote, a new BID Board will be set up to manage and deliver the proposals set out in this business plan and all businesses will be invited to have a place on the Board after the ballot result is announced. It is likely many new BID Board members will come from the Steering Group but new nominations will be welcomed from all businesses. in place The current BID Steering Group membership includes: George Buchanan Jane Parkinson Julie Byrne Advisory: hrough the leadership provided by BID Chair Waddington The School of Artisan Food Sally Gillborn Britain’s Biggest BID the new Worksop Town Centre Task Priory Menswear T Royce Marshall North Notts Place Manager Force, there is an opportunity to bring orksop lies at the Rob Mayo Adrian Smith Gamston Airport Robert Wilkinson different interests together in a strong and BID Vice-Chair Nottinghamshire heart at one of the Glyn Davies Bassetlaw District Council W lasting partnership. The Task Force can provide Welbeck Estate County Council country’s newest and Barnsley Premier a necessary sense of direction, and as the Philip Jackson biggest Business Improvement Steve Bennett David Aunins Leisure Representing Worksop Council’s Leader comments, “provide the glue to BID Vice-Chair The Priory Centre Districts. The North Notts BID Cllr Jo White Business Forum bind different players together”. Traffic Labour covers all of Bassetlaw and is a John Connolly Bassetlaw District Supplies Ltd Rick Brand business-led intitiative that aims Such partnership working isn’t effective unless The RNN Group Council Representing effort is put in to get it right. That way, the Jon Cornforth to ‘put the area on the map’ Kate Firth Claire Weingaertner Business Forum Saint Gobain through supporting enterprise. North Notts BID, the Worksop Business Forum, Ye Olde Bell Retford Enterprise Michelle Baker community groups, Council departments and Nigel Turner Centre Neil Roberts Regen Management other agencies can all play to their strengths and North Notts Wright Vigar Richard Scragg BID Consultant Community Arena passions to collectively improve the town centre. Springhead Brewery A ‘Forward Framework’ formalises this thinking.

HAVE YOUR SAY FROM 18 APRIL-16 MAY 2017 voteWIN AnA sense attractive of arrival town to visit and spendWorksop’s Forward Frameworktime9 in Engaging all of the community

eople in Worksop comment that it is a strong sense P of community that brings them to town. It is vital to maintain this spirit by involving locally-based businesses, community groups and public services in crafting solutions. Communicating and coordinating will be key. A vibrantsense of retail arrival and service centre

This theme is focused on safeguarding and/or Objectives improving the reasons behind what attracts people These are the main objectives for this theme: to visit and spend time withinCommunicating Worksop. This Coordinating includes the various leisure opportunities and the 1. To promote the existing visitor attractions within theWit townh a lot of activity led by unique visitor attractions WorksopEffective has tocommunication offer. beween partners, projects different partners, it is vital 2. To explore new opportunities for visitors to and ordinary people is to get everyone ‘rowing in spend time within the town Worksop boasts a number ofessentail visitor attractions, in driving forward the same direction’. The such as the Priory Church, Priorysuccessful Gatehouse town and centre 3. To increaseTask the Force quantity can andhelp quality achieve of the Mr Straw's House. Furthermore,revitalisation there are a and creating leisure facilitiesthis through within theannual town action number of leisure opportunitiespride within of theplace. town, planning and regular reviews. 4. To create an attractive environment for Objectives including the newly improved Canch (town park), This theme is linked to ensuring the town centre people to spend time in is a place where people can access a wide range These are the main objectivesGodfrey for this's theme:Pond and the recently built Savoy of shops, services and facilities, creating a vibrant Cinema, as well as easy access to the Chesterfield town centre. 5. To increase the reasons for people to visit 1. To improve the qualityCanal. and size of the the town during the day and in the retail units available within the town centre Interventions that are identified within this theme evenings are focused on increasing the quality and range of the retail offer within the town centre, from well- 2. To increase the range of the retail offer known high street conglomerates to smaller Interventions within this theme will highlight 6. To restore historic buildings, including 3. To reduce the amount of empty shops independent retailers and market traders. This will shop fronts, and bring underused historic these assets and identify opportunities for their also involve focusing on the main retail offer being spaces back into use 4. To ensure the market remains an asset to based around the Priory Shopping Centre and the enhancement or opportunities to increase these the town lower Bridge Street area. The remaining parts of within the town. Bridge Street, and surrounding land and premises, 5. To create an attractive environment to 7. To improve the access to and frontage will also play an important part in creating a shop and spend time onto the thriving retail and service centre.

Furthermore, Worksop offers a variety of services 6. To safeguard the current services and facilities within the town centre and facilities which bring many visitors to the town each week. This ranges from accessing public 10 www.bassetlaw.gov.uk services in the Council offices, police station, GP 7. To increase the quantity and range of surgeries, hospitals and dental clinics to accessing services and facilities within the town centre higher education, sporting facilities and public transport hubs and routes.

14 www.bassetlaw.gov.uk 10 Turning-aroundWizzy Annual Report a town 2016 centre

MENTAL HEALTH 30-60% “Around 30-50% of rough sleepers have been found to suffer from mental health problems.”

ALCOHOL DEPENDENCY 50% “A high percentage of rough sleepers (around 50%) have…a serious alcohol problem.”

DRUG PROBLEM 39% “39% of people sleeping rough under 26 had a drug problem.”

Source: House of Commons Library, January 2017. Rough Sleeping () Briefing Paper Number 02007 Worksop’s Forward Framework 11 The local face of a national issue

omelessness, rough sleeping, begging and related anti-social behaviour are emmotive issues that are increasing nationally and that impact massively on the lives of those affected. These are issues that cause great concern to some H businesseses at a local level and are increasingly perceived as a priority problem by town centre users.

Criminalisation and compassion The response to homelessness and associated anti-social behaviour in Worksop town centre combines community policing and prosecution as necessary within a multi-agency response that also involves a dedicated support worker able to deal with the complexity of individual cases on an on-going basis. The local authority is also working in a way that will be compliant with its new responsibilities under the Homelessness Reduction Act that comes in to force in April 2018.

Increase in rough sleepers across England and London, 2010-16.

Source: DCLG, January 2017. Rough Sleeping Statistics Autumn 2016 – England 12 Turning-around a town centre A Forward Framework

eading a town the foundations that bring L centre revival can be stakeholders together; the achieved in different appropriate organisational ways. In Worksop the current form; finances; and the commitment of the District commitment, communication Council’s Leader and Chief and coordination of partners Executive to a Town Centre and the wider public. Task Force provides powerful possibilities. A ‘Forward Coordinating delivery Framework’ is proposed as a Delivery of a successful town way of defining the ‘how’ and centre revival involves the the ‘what’ of future activity. coordination of a range of functions including ‘place- Getting organised shaping’; planning and An important part of a property; business support; successful town centre community and culture; revival is understanding marketing and events. A ‘how’ this is best organised. Forward Framework can help This involves understanding define different roles. Worksop’s Forward Framework 13

Next Steps

Evidence-led Engaging partners Effective actions A Worksop The Town Delivering town centre Centre Task successful 1 revival needs to 2 Force can play 3 town centre continue to build on an an important leadership revitalisation involves evidence-led approach by role by engaging with identifying solutions gathering data through partners, agreeing to identified needs, the Local Plan process; priorities, coordinating clarifying roles, understanding business activity, securing coordinating activity performance; and new resources and and monitoring impacts consulting customers. communicating progress. through routine surveys. 14 Turning-around a town centre Delivering joined-up solutions

Creating a ‘can-do’ attitude with local ‘champions’ It can Delivering a successful town centre revival is a long-term venture involving vision, ambition, a broad approach and be done! coordinated delivery amongst local champions with the commitment, skills and resources to play their part. Here are some essential building blocks of a successful stategy with long-term targets for delivering joined-up solutions.

Parking & place-shaping Planning & property

Target: Strategy, funding and prioritised Target: Robust town-centre-first policies, streetscape improvement plan agreed masterplanning plus priorities within & with coordinated travel, parking & access between towns alongside coordinated strategy. . work with town centre businesses & landlords..

Retail strategy & skills Marketing & events

Target: Tailored training/ mentoring & Target: Clear understanding of town strategy to enhance retail distinctiveness identity & brand with pooled budgets, based on current provision, trends and an collective campaign, digital infrastructure, understanding of competing centres. skills & active plan. Worksop’s Forward Framework 15 Attracting funds

dding value by attracting, allocating and accounting A for new funds will be all the more successful where proposals can demonstrate evidence of need, link to wider proposals for the town centre and demonstrate success through measurable impacts. Here are two examples of what is already being achieved through such an approach in Worksop.

Restoring heritage Supporting enterprise Some of Worksop’s most A successful ‘YES’ campaign iconic, historical buildings for the North Notts BID has at the top of Bridge Street unlocked £3.2 million of new will be brought back to investment to support local their former glory thanks enterprise and improve the to a £1.28M grant from the customer experience of Heritage Lottery Fund. Worksop and the wider area. PREPARED for the Local Government Association & Bassetlaw District Council by Chris Wade, Director, aka @man_about_towns The People & Places Partnership Ltd. The Future Business Centre, Kings Hedges Road, Cambridge, CB4 2HY [email protected] www.people-places.co.uk