Are traditional town centres a thing of the past? That’s the claim from Llanelli MS, Lee Waters, who believes the high street model we once knew is now “dead”. Supermarkets, online shopping, and the pandemic have dramatically reshaped our shopping habits and economic landscape. 🚶♂️🛍
During a recent Senedd debate, Waters described town centre revitalisation as a “gnarly, knotty problem.” And he’s not wrong—empty shops and closed shutters are an all-too-common sight. The discussion centred around Plaid Cymru’s motion for a comprehensive town centre regeneration plan, including revising business rates and empowering communities with “right to buy” options. 🏘
Meanwhile, the Conservatives had their own suggestions: abolish business rates for small businesses, improve access to free parking, and create funds specifically for our seaside and market towns. Sounds reasonable, right? But Waters warns these ideas don’t fully tackle the issue, as 25% of people don’t even have access to a car, and free parking could drain council funds without delivering a high street renaissance. 🚗❌
Changing consumer habits mean it’s often cheaper for new businesses to set up shop outside town rather than refitting older high street properties. Housing trends have also shifted, attracting a different demographic to these once bustling centres.
Plaid Cymru’s Luke Fletcher described the current state of our high streets as bleak, with Wales having one of the highest vacant shop rates in the UK. “Plugging holes, not rebuilding foundations,” he said, as government efforts seem to fall short.
Conservative Joel James criticised Labour’s approach, claiming high business rates are an “economic punishment” and arguing that regeneration money means little without fixing the root causes. He emphasized scrapping rates for small businesses and promoting free parking. 🏛💸
In response, Jayne Bryant, local government minister, cited the £100m transforming towns programme and a new empty property enforcement fund aiming to bring life back to vacant properties. 🏢✨
Do you think your local high street can make a comeback? Share your thoughts! 💬⬇️