Shrewsbury needs its own ‘Queen of Shops’ says Shropshire Council

Mary Portas, the so-called ‘Queen of Shops’, has released a report on how to revive Britain’s flagging high streets.  It identifies how town centres need to adapt and be “visitor destinations”, not just shopping centres. 

The retail trade in Shrewsbury is holding up relatively well in the current economic recession, and the town has many of the features needed for a thriving high street.  But Shropshire Council believes that local businesses need to invest in the benefits of a dedicated town centre manager, and it is challenging traders to up their game after Christmas. 

The tourist association, Destination Shrewsbury, has been hard at work to promote Shrewsbury as a visitor destination.  Plans are in place to significantly increase the number of people coming to our lovely county town.  But the private sector has a crucial role to play, both in development of better shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, and also in investing in how the town centre operates overall. 

Working closely with Shropshire Council, Destination Shrewsbury is encouraging local retail businesses to come together and act on the recommendations of Mary Portas.  A meeting is being planned for local businesses in January 2012, to look at how dedicated town centre management can be established in Shrewsbury. 

Councillor Keith Barrow, Shropshire Council’s Leader, said:

“There are many sensible recommendations in this report, including the encouragement of free car parking, that we implemented in the town on Wednesday evenings in the run up to Christmas. 

“We are pleased to be working with Destination Shrewsbury to embrace the ideas set forward by Mary Portas, ensuring that the town continues to be a place that people want to shop, work, visit, meet friends and spend time in.” 

Councillor Mike Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for economic growth, jobs and prosperity, said:

“Shrewsbury is set to benefit for a huge investment in improving its shopping centres and riverfront in the next few years.  We expect a planning application shortly after Christmas for this exciting development. 

“But, in the meantime, we can do more to make a day out in Shrewsbury an exciting experience for the whole family.   Shropshire Council has wider plans and ideas about how it can contribute to the future success of our county town, working with the town council.  It is essential though that local businesses also invest in the town, and don’t simply expect local taxpayers to find the money for this.” 

Edward Goddard, Chair of Destination Shrewsbury, said:

“We have a fantastic offer in Shrewsbury and we know, based on a report we commissioned in September, that we could significantly increase the number of people visiting our town, adding vibrancy and boosting the local economy.  Making the town centre a very positive experience is important to encouraging repeat visits and enabling people to discover all that Shrewsbury has to offer.  Town centre management is essential to this, and I welcome Shropshire Council joining with us to encourage local businesses to take the opportunity forward.”