exetercitycentre

January 2012 City Centre Retail Vacancy Rates

2012-01-05T14:37:00.002Z

I’m today – 05 January – publishing the latest City Centre Management survey of vacant City Centre retail units (survey completed on 04 January).

It’s worth starting with the facts…

We now have 40 empty retail units in the City Centre
The percentage of retail units empty in City Centre now stands at 6.44%
Of the 16 City Centre areas for which vacancies are listed, 8 areas are showing the same vacancy rates as contained in the November vacancy survey, 3 areas are showing an increase (Paris Street, Guildhall Shopping Centre and Sidwell Street) and 5 areas are showing fewer vacancies than in November (Princesshay, Queen Street, Harlequins, High Street, and South Street)
Of the 16 City Centre areas for which vacancies are listed, 5 areas are showing no vacancies at all.
The City Centre percentage vacancy rate compares very favourably with the current national average running at around 14%.

A breakdown of the number of vacant City Centre retail units is set out below…

The economic climate remains incredibly challenging – a position underlined by the mixed bag of Christmas trading results now emerging and by businesses such as Hawkins Bazaar going in to Administration. The difficulties being faced by a number of retailers are well documented and Exeter remains at risk from the on-going challenges to the UK economy. There is no doubt that Exeter, along with other cities and towns across the UK, will see further retail closures and I am in no doubt that 2012 will be another challenging year. I remain very buoyant however about the ability of the City Centre to meet the economic challenges head-on and believe that the investments both recently delivered and in the pipeline will maintain the momentum of change and renewal in the City Centre that will ensure Exeter continues to be a shining beacon of opportunity and prosperity within the region.

When the Portas Review was launched in December I commented that I believed the strongest city and town centres would continue to prosper and grow, whilst those with underlying weaknesses were at risk of their problems accelerating. I remain convinced by this argument and have no doubt that Exeter is one of the strongest centres in the Region – with that strength underlined by the John Lewis investment in the city. The reality is that strong brands such as John Lewis and Urban Outfitters back winning City Centres with a winning forward-thinking development strategy – Exeter is without doubt such a City Centre.

I am incredibly excited about the opportunities that 2012 presents. Encouraging Christmas trading figures, good post Christmas sales figures and the best retail vacancy figures since 2008 offer a great New Year springboard for the City Centre.

John Harvey

Exeter City Centre Manager

Thursday 5 January 2012

November 2011 City Centre Retail Vacancy Rates

2011-11-03T09:44:00.000Z

I am today publishing the latest retail vacancy rates survey for Exeter City Centre - detailing the number of City Centre shop units currently standing empty. The figures are published against a backdrop of the recent 'flat' UK economic growth figures (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15535518).

I'm delighted with the reduction in City Centre retail vacancy rates shown in the latest survey. It's particularly encouraging that retail vacancies stand at their lowest level since January 2011 and that vacancies are significantly lower than 2009 and the majority of 2010.

In the final run-up to Christmas this year we have seen a drop of 0.8% in the City Centre retail vacancy rate - a drop from 46 empty retail units to 41 empty units. It's normal to see short-term lettings in the run-up to Christmas, with businesses such as Calendar Club taking space on a short-term basis, but these figures also reflect more long-term commitments and significant investment in the City Centre. Investment in the City Centre is currently running at encouraging levels, with investment from both independent businesses and national names. We will see Hotter Shoes, Republic and Urban Outfitters open before Christmas and the significance of these investments will not be lost on retail analysts, or Exeter shoppers - Urban Outiftters only have sixteen stores at present in the UK (and only twenty-one in Europe), Exeter will be their seventeenth UK store. Work is progressing well on John Lewis, with work likely to be completed late 2012. Major businesses such as John Lewis and Urban Outfitters only back winning cities, cities of opportunity and vision - Exeter is clearly such a location and without doubt the leading retail centre west of Bristol.

There are clearly challenges remaining for the City Centre, but in my view there are more grounds for optimism than concern.

John Harvey

Exeter City Centre Manager

Thursday 3 November 2011

September 2011 City Centre Retail Vacancy Rates

2011-09-13T13:53:00.001+01:00

I am today publishing the latest retail vacancy rates for Exeter City Centre - the number of City Centre shops currently standing empty.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) called July the toughest month of trading faced by retailers in more than a year (http://tinyurl.com/6zwhngr) and on 25 August said that retail sales had fallen at the fastest pace for over a year (http://tinyurl.com/3mrs8qh). The British economy boasted only a 0.2% expansion in the second quarter and retailers are reported to be at their most pessimistic for some time, scaling back their investment plans for the next twelve months.

There is no doubt that the retail environment remains extremely challenging, but despite gloomy statistics, and a British Economy that can best be described as 'perilous', Exeter's retail vacancy rate has held relatively firm - only gaining 3 additional vacancies overall since March. There are now 46 empty retail units in the City Centre - a vacancy rate of 7.4%. The slight uplift in the City Centre vacancy rate from June (when vacancies stood at 6.91%) is clearly disappointing, but inevitable with the disappearance of more familiar national names including Focus DIY and Habitat and the very challenging retail trading environment. Exeter is not an island that can disentangle itself from the challenges of the wider economy.

On balance however I remain optimistic about the medium to long-term prospects for Exeter City Centre. The massive investment and re-engineering of the City Centre that started with the Princesshay development continues to move forward - with the John Lewis building work being the natural next stage of development - and this change and renewal is delivering the best possible environment for further investment and investor confidence.

The bright orange hoarding in High Street heralds the newest City Centre arrival, Urban Outfitters. Sea Salt has recently opened for business, and a new jewellers, Paul Ashby Crane & Son, will also shortly open in Gandy Street, bringing even more vibe and character to an already fantastic street, and one of the most independent retailer led quarters in the city. Retailer enquiries remain strong and we can expect announcements of further new names for the city over the coming months. This should be seen as what it is, retailers having faith in Exeter as a city that can deliver. It’s a winning city and a sound investment for the long term.

John Harvey

Exeter City Centre Manager
Tuesday 13 September 2011

June 2011 City Centre Retail Vacancy Rates

2011-06-22T15:36:00.000+01:00

Today, 22 June, I can publish the latest City Centre Management survey of vacant City Centre retail units (survey completed on 15 June).
Key facts…

We have 43 empty retail units in the City Centre.
The percentage of retail units empty in Exeter currently still stands at 6.91%.
Of the 16 City Centre areas for which vacancies are listed, 11 areas are showing a reduced or the same vacancy rates as contained in the March vacancy survey. Of the 16 City Centre areas for which vacancies are listed, 5 areas are showing no vacancies at all.
The Exeter percentage vacancy rate compares very favourably with the current national average, which is still running at around 14%.

A breakdown of the number of vacant City Centre retail units is set out below…

The national economic climate remains challenging, with retailers nationally continuing to feel the squeeze. Challenges being faced by a number of national retail chains are well documented; we have seen an example of this with the unfortunate closure of Currys Digital this weekend. I still remain very confident however about the short, medium and long-term prospects for Exeter City Centre. We have encouraging levels of retailer investment – Work is just about to commence on Urban Outfitters in the High Street, and the works at the former Debenhams building are continuing apace. I'm aware of a significant number of further retailer deals in the pipeline, for which I would expect to see announcements being made during the coming two months.

John Harvey

Exeter City Centre Manager

April 2011 City Centre Retail Vacancy Rates

2011-04-13T16:07:00.001+01:00

I’m today – 13 April – publishing the latest City Centre Management survey of vacant City Centre retail units (survey completed on 4 April).

It’s worth starting with the facts…

We now have 43 empty retail units in the City Centre.
The percentage of retail units empty in Exeter currently stands at 6.91%.
Of the 16 City Centre areas for which vacancies are listed, 8 areas are showing the same vacancy rates as contained in the February vacancy survey and 2 areas are showing fewer vacancies than in the February survey.
Of the 16 City Centre areas for which vacancies are listed, 5 areas are showing no vacancies at all.
The Exeter percentage vacancy rate compares very favourably with the current national average running at around 14%.

A breakdown of the number of vacant City Centre retail units is set out below…

The economic climate remains challenging – a position underlined by the recent British Retail Consortium survey showing a national drop in like-for-like sales during March. The difficulties being faced by several national retail chains are well documented and Exeter remains at risk from the on-going challenges to the UK economy. I remain very buoyant however about the short, medium and long-term prospects for Exeter City Centre.

We’re continuing to deliver City Centre environmental improvements, in spite of the tough financial pressures faced by the public sector, and these improvements will deliver real benefits for City Centre businesses. We’re continuing to see new names arriving in the City Centre and significant investment from businesses already here. We’re seeing investment enquiries that I’m confident will translate in to further new names coming in to the City Centre over the coming twelve months. We’re seeing momentum building behind the case for an Exeter Business Improvement District and I’m increasingly confident that businesses will vote yes to a BID this Summer – ensuring that so many more of our ideas for driving the City Centre forward will be achievable in the future than are achievable right now.

We’re working really hard to maintain the momentum of change and renewal so essential to ensuring that the City Centre success story continues. The latest store to announce that they’re planning to open in Exeter – Urban Outfitters – currently only has 16 stores in the UK. Urban Outfitters investment in Exeter shows real confidence in the City and real confidence in the strategy for future City Centre change and renewal.

John Harvey

City Centre Manager

13 April 2011

Economy Scrutiny Committee, 10 March 2011 - City Centre Performance Update

2011-03-10T19:18:00.000Z

I spoke at the City Council's Economy Scrutiny Committee meeting this evening, giving an update on City Centre 'performance'. My report can be found in the Committee papers at http://bit.ly/gdizAj Here's what I said to Councillors...

I will keep my introductory remarks relatively brief – to allow for questions from Members.

The broad message from my report is that, although the current economic climate remains challenging, current analysis of key performance indicators in Exeter and informal feedback from City Centre retailers is relatively encouraging.

I have consistently argued that Exeter is better prepared to deal with the challenging economic climate than many places and that this is a direct result of the significant levels of City Centre investment and effective partnership working delivered over recent years.

Let me stress, however, that there are no grounds for complacency, with the economic picture often confusing, contradictory and fast changing. For example – although the picture (both locally and nationally) in January was fairly encouraging, the British Retail Consortium & KPMG February 2011 sales monitor showed UK retail sales values down 0.4% on a like-for-like basis from February 2010. Securing continued investment and maintaining the process of city centre change and renewal – a process that would be underpinned through the securing of an Exeter Business Improvement District – will be vital if we are to maintain the current broadly successful performance of city centre businesses.

Key data in the report before you provides a snapshot indicator of recent City Centre performance.

In quickly summarizing the data presented in my report I would argue that City Centre performance was relatively buoyant in the early pre-Christmas trading period (October and November), that it slowed markedly in December and that there was encouraging recovery and growth in the post Christmas sales period.

The data included in my report is self-explanatory and I don’t propose to run through it section by section. I do, however, plan to just quickly touch on the vacancy rate for shop premises.

I should start by indicating that I would vigorously defend the retail unit vacancy figures that are published through my office every two months. They reflect the position as seen by our shoppers and businesses in a way that I simply don’t believe that the figures produced by the Local Data Company do – I have directly challenged the LDC on their figures (on a number of occasions, along with others) and I have a feeling that I will probably challenge figures produced by them in the future.

The latest full retail units vacancy survey was undertaken in January 2011 and shows the lowest number of vacant retail units in the City Centre since August 2008. It should be noted that 5 of the 16 areas surveyed had no vacancies and 12 of the 16 areas surveyed showed vacancy rates either remaining static or reducing since October 2010. In January 2011 there were a total of 38 vacant retail units in the City Centre – out of a total of 622 units (6.11% vacancy rate). It is worth noting that the current national average vacancy rate is running at approximately 14%. A number of City Centre retailers currently trading can be identified as ‘at risk’ of closure, but it is not anticipated that the risk of significant post Christmas store closures is as high as in 2009 and 2010.

In Fore Street the majority of vacancies are within the two arcades. I was particularly disappointed to see the loss of Pasta Porto pre-Christmas, which represented a setback to progress on broadening-out the appeal of the Fore Street ‘evening economy’ offer.

The number of vacant units within the High Street is shown at 3 within the latest survey (although with the recent loss of Fopp and British Bookshops and Stationers this has now increased to 5). Even with the increase in vacancies since the January survey, there has still been a significant drop from the corresponding survey figure from the beginning of 2010, when the number of vacant units stood at 10.

There is currently only 1 vacant unit in Guildhall Shopping Centre, last achieved in November 2009. Interest is being expressed by a number of potential tenants in the former Sands (previously Coffee Plus) unit.

The retail unit vacancy rate remains stubbornly high in Sidwell Street, with 8 units currently vacant. It is anticipated that the arrival of the John Lewis at Home store in the autumn of this year will have a beneficial impact on the trading position in this part of the City Centre.

Happy to now take questions…

PRINCESSHAY TO HOST TEMPORARY SKATING RINK IN MAIN SQUARE

2011-02-15T15:59:00.003Z

I think Princesshay Square is one of the best public spaces we have in the City Centre, but as with any public space it really is only at its best when it’s brought to life with events and activities, when there are street performers or buskers in the space and when there’s a vibrancy delivered through the presence of lots of people. We want to see as much activity as possible in the Square and it’s great to be able to support a local business in providing a skating rink – providing real fun family activity – during half term and the following week. In partnership with Princesshay we are always keen to work with community groups and organisations to utilise the fantastic public space we have at the heart of the city.

John Harvey

City Centre Manager

15 February 2011

To celebrate the start of February half term, Princesshay has agreed to host a temporary skating rink in the main square launching on Thursday 17th February until Sunday 6th March 2011. The skating rink will be open daily from 11am – 8pm (excl. Sunday’s 11am – 6pm) throughout half term (21st – 25th Feb) and on Saturdays. On all other days the rink will be open from 3pm – 8pm.
The shopping centre was recently approached by a local company in Exmouth who install skating rinks all over the UK.

Mark Briggs from Exe-Treme Fun said, “I’ve always thought that Princesshay Square would be a fantastic location for one of our rinks and we’re really excited about being on site for over two weeks and would like to thank the shopping centre for giving us the opportunity.”

The launch of this rink coincides with the arrival of Holiday on Ice, the world’s most visited ice show, which is playing at Exeter’s Westpoint arena from Friday 18th February – Sunday 27th February 2011. With its 42 strong professional cast, spectacular set and lavish costumes, Energia, looks to set to wow audiences as it arrives in Exeter for the end of its UK tour.

4 of the stars from Holiday on Ice’s Energia production will be officially opening the skating rink in Princesshay Square at 3pm on Thursday 17th February 2011.

Gia Alteri, one of the skaters from Holiday on Ice said, “We are really pleased to be able to help launch this skating rink and the timing is perfect for us as we’ve just arrived in Exeter where we’ll be performing for the next 10 days. I would encourage anyone that hasn’t skated before to take the opportunity to have a go in Princesshay while the rink is here, I’m sure lots of families will be making the most of it during half term.”

The skating rink in Princesshay will be 15m x 10m in size and uses a plastic polymer surface which is perfect for beginners.

Wayne Pearce, Princesshay Centre Director said, "We have never had a skating rink in Princesshay and the city has not had one for a few years now so we’re really excited to be able to launch this just in time for half term week. If successful and popular with shoppers and families we will look to bring it back for Christmas.”

John Harvey, Exeter City Centre Manager said, “It’s great to be able to support a local business in providing this fun family activity during half term and the following week. In partnership with Princesshay we are always keen to work with community groups and organisations to utilise the fantastic public space we have at the heart of the city.”

Ticket prices including skate hire are £4.50 per child and £5.50 per adult and a family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children costs £15.00. Tickets will be available on the day and can be purchased from the skate hire cabin on site. Each session lasts for 45 minutes.

http://www.princesshay.com/

http://www.holidayonice.co.uk

January 2011 City Centre Retail Vacancy Rates

2011-01-28T08:20:00.005Z

I’m today – 28 January – publishing the latest City Centre Management survey of vacant City Centre retail units (survey completed on 27 January).

It’s worth starting with the facts…

We now have 38 empty retail units in the City Centre
The percentage of retail units empty in Exeter currently stands at 6.11%
The Exeter percentage vacancy rate compares very favourably with the current national average (running at around 14%)

A breakdown of the number of vacant City Centre retail units is set out below…

The economic climate remains challenging – with news on a number of national retail chains and the difficulties that they face well documented – and Exeter clearly can’t operate in a bubble. The City Centre inevitably remains at risk, along with every other town and city the length and breadth of the country, from the economic challenges facing the UK and global economies. However, I remain absolutely convinced that Exeter is better prepared to deal with the current tough economic challenges than many places – a direct result of the significant levels of City Centre investment delivered over recent years. Major new investment in the City Centre continues to come through and there is no doubt that the most significant current investment project – transforming the former Debenhams building in to a John Lewis at Home store – will help us maintain the momentum of change and renewal so necessary to our long-term competitive position.

I remain confident that the success story that is Exeter City Centre is set to continue… Companies such as John Lewis back winning cities – Exeter City Centre has a winning formula and a bright future.

John Harvey
City Centre Manager

28 January 2011

August 2010 City Centre Retail Vacancy Rates

2010-08-05T14:09:00.005+01:00

I’m today – 5 August – publishing the latest City Centre Management survey of vacant City Centre retail units (survey undertaken over recent days).

Good to start with the simple – and encouraging - facts…

We now have 48 empty retail units in the City Centre
The percentage of retail units empty in Exeter currently stands at 7.51%
The Exeter percentage vacancy rate compares very favourably with the current national average running at around 12%
There have been particularly significant reductions in vacancy rates in High Street (drop from 9 to 5 vacant units during the last quarter) and Sidwell Street (drop from 7 to 4 vacant units during the last quarter)

A breakdown of the number of vacant City Centre retail units is set out below…

The vacancy survey represents a snapshot of what’s happening in our City Centre. The August quarterly vacancy survey is encouraging against what remains a challenging national backdrop and there are good grounds for being optimistic about the coming quarter and beyond. We continue to see new names arriving in the city and existing stores seeking to expand. New names arriving since the last vacancy survey include Pasta Porto (in Fore Street and Sidwell Street), Greggs (in Sidwell Street and due to open in High Street shortly), Trailfinders (currently shopfitting their new unit in High Street), HUGG Frozen Yoghurt (in Princesshay) and TMC Supplements (in Sidwell Street). Jack Wills are currently shopfitting in the former Halifax Bank building at the junction of High Street and Broadgate – a significantly bigger unit than that which they currently occupy in Bedford Street.

Active discussions with agents and businesses looking at investing in the City Centre continue and I am very confident that we will see these active discussions being translated in to new store announcements over the coming weeks and months. The success story that is Exeter City Centre is set to continue…

John Harvey
City Centre Manager

5 August 2010

Briefing for City Centre Businesses on Tour Series Race Road Closures

2010-05-26T06:30:00.003+01:00

Tour Series cycle race – Thursday 3rd June 2010 - Advance notice of road closures

What is happening?

On Thursday 3rd June 2010, Exeter is again hosting the Tour Series cycle race. This high profile, televised, one-day event will see 50 professional cyclists, including many of Britain’s Olympic and Commonwealth competitors, racing on the streets of Exeter. The event is being put on by SweetSpot with support from Devon County Council and Exeter City Council.

Where is it taking place?

The circuit for the race will be High Street, New North Road and Queen Street - please see map overleaf for details. From 10am onwards, these roads and all the roads inside this circuit will be closed in phases to allow for construction of the race circuit and a series of community events to take place. The main race starts at 7pm, is due to finish around 8.15pm and we expect the roads to reopen no later than 11pm.

How will this affect you?

On the day of the race there will be limited access for vehicles to properties within the area enclosed by the circuit and parking will be suspended on all roads within the circuit. We are working hard to ensure that all the road closures and diversions work as smoothly as possible but it may be necessary for you to make alternative travel arrangements on this day.See below for detailed road closure information:

From 10am until midnight – Road closures on the route
- High Street and Queen Street (between Paul Street and High Street) will be closed from 10am. This will mean no access to Bedford Square or Catherine Street

From 1pm until midnight – Road closures on the route
- New North Road and Queen Street will be closed from 1pm. Alternative route will be signed via Western Way, Exe Bridges, Bonhay Road, Cowley Bridge Road and vice versa.

Road closures to assist buses on their diversion route
- Bampfylde Street closed to all traffic except buses. This will mean no access to Bude Street or Bude Street car park.

Local arrangements will be made for residents / businesses of...
- Longbrook Terrace. For the duration of the closure, access to Longbrook Terrace will be allowed via Howell Road as the one way system in Howell Road (between the car park and Longbrook Terrace) and Longbrook Terrace (between New North Road and Howell Road) will be temporarily lifted.

- Northernhay Street. For the duration of the closure access to Northernhay Street will be allowed via Exe Street; the bollard in Lower North Street (under the Iron Bridge) will be temporarily removed.

- Richmond Road. For the duration of the closure the one way system in Richmond Road (between Bystock Terrace and the Clocktower) will be temporarily lifted to allow vehicles to travel in this section and to exit the area via St. Davids Hill.

- Bailey Street area and Isca Place. Limited access may be available between races from Longbrook Street or Clock Tower respectively until 3pm.

Between 5pm and 8.15pm (just before and during the race) access for pedestrians across the circuit will be limited to the marshalled crossing points for safety reasons. Details of the crossing points will be available on the day.

Thank you for your co-operation and we would like to apologise in advance for any disruption or inconvenience that this may cause. However we do hope you can join us in supporting this event and enjoy the benefits it will bring for Exeter.

May 2010 City Centre Retail Vacancy Rates

2010-05-24T09:41:00.006+01:00

I’m today – 21 May – publishing the latest City Centre Management survey of vacant City Centre retail units (survey undertaken over recent days).

Good to start with the simple – and encouraging - facts…

We now have 49 empty retail units in the City Centre
The number of vacant units is up at the same level as in February 2009
The percentage of retail units empty in Exeter currently stands at 7.84% …with the current national average running at around 12%

A breakdown of the number of vacant City Centre retail units is set out below…

The vacancy survey is only ever a snapshot of what’s happening in our City Centre. Although the City Centre retail vacancy rate as of today remains frustratingly static, we are seeing new names coming to the city and I am more optimistic about the future than I have been for some time. It’s encouraging that we are seeing a real mix of new names coming to the city – from well-known retail names such as Mountain Warehouse and Sony Centre to new independent retailers such as Rant & Rage, Sew Bazaar and Blue Wing Jewellery.

There remain a large number of active discussions with agents and businesses looking at investing in the City Centre and I have no doubt that we will see these active discussions being translated in to new store announcements over the coming weeks and months.

John Harvey
City Centre Manager

21 May 2010

Looking Forward…

2010-03-12T14:15:00.011Z

12/03/2010 -
I’m today publishing the latest City Centre Management survey of vacant City Centre retail units (survey undertaken in late February 2010).

Good to start with the simple facts…
- We now have 49 empty retail units in the City Centre
- The number of vacant units is up from the 43 shown in November 2009 – but at exactly the same level as in August 2009
- The percentage of retail units empty in Exeter currently stands at 6.88% …with the current national average running at around 12%

A breakdown of the number of vacant City Centre retail units is set out below…

So, am I happy with the current Exeter City Centre vacancy rates? No
…but can I find positives about the current Exeter trading position? Yes

It is frustrating that we have seen a worsening of our City Centre vacancy rate in the post-Christmas period – but, to be clear, it is a marginal worsening (only six more vacant units in the City Centre as a whole).

The vacancy survey is only ever a snapshot of what’s happening in our City Centre. Since the vacancy survey was undertaken, we have announced that two new names are coming to the city – Sony Centre and Mountain Warehouse. Both Sony and Mountain Warehouse are strong brands that will add yet more diversity to the Exeter retail offer, more customer choice. Both of the High Street units that are being taken have been empty for more than twelve months.

There are many more investors looking at the City Centre and I have no doubt that we will see the serious assessment of Exeter as a place in which to invest being translated in to new store announcements over the coming quarter.

Of course I can’t, and frankly wouldn’t want to, predict what may happen to the wider retail economy over the coming 6 to 12 months, although the indications are that we have some way to go before emerging from what’s been a very challenging period. National economic pressures may well result in more store closures in Exeter, but I am more optimistic than ever about our resilience as a City to succeed in tough times. I do believe, and believe with a passion, that the investment we’ve delivered in Exeter over the recent past has helped, and will continue to help, Exeter fare better than many other towns and cities in challenging economic times.

We’re far from out of the woods – but we can at least begin to look forward with some optimism.

Paris Street Traffic Management - Taking A Long-Term View

2010-03-11T14:51:00.007Z

11/03/2010 -
Yesterday afternoon (10 March 2010) I spoke at a hearing of the Exeter Highways & Traffic Orders Committee in to traffic management in Paris Street.

This is what I said...

Over ten years ago, we mapped out the need to make Exeter City Centre more pedestrian-friendly – and to deliver significant advances in relation to traffic-free streets and pedestrian priority zones. At the time, the overall concept would have been difficult to sell – but the changes were made incrementally and no-one would now suggest rolling back on the substantial improvements we have made for pedestrians in Princesshay, in Bedford Street, in Cathedral Yard, in Roman Walk and elsewhere in the City Centre. No-one would argue that what has been achieved does not make for a better visitor and shopper experience, for a better environment in which our businesses, small and large, can trade more competitively and successfully. This is important context for the remarks specific to Paris Street that I have to make this afternoon.

We must be looking at the long-term and ensuring that we see where we are now as a stepping stone towards the next major elements of City Centre change and renewal that I think all of us in this room would back.

In the longer-term, the complete pedestrianisation of the area of Paris Street after the Civic Centre/Princesshay Car Park junction is surely the right way forward. I appreciate that at first appearance this does not appear to be an option, but I genuinely believe that the bulk of the arguments for the options of maintaining one-way traffic vs reverting to two-way traffic in Paris Street are based on a quick fix, ie what can be achieved in the next 6-12 months, and not a real long term strategy to deal with the problem of the division of the city as a whole. This third option of complete pedestrianisation can only realistically come about as part of the re-development of the Bus Station site and in close co-operation with the developer. This is not beyond the realms of possibility; we only have to look at what has been achieved with Princesshay to see that works of this magnitude are indeed possible.

Retailers will think twice before committing themselves to a site on the ‘wrong side’ of the current traffic barrier. Similarly, developers will be reluctant to invest. Land Securities have talked to John Lewis on a number of occasions about the bus station site. It is clear that one of their significant reservations is the traffic barrier on the upper part of Paris Street – ideally the investor would wish to see all traffic removed or alternatively creating a bus only street. You have received a letter from Nick Davis, Retail Development Director at Land Securities – dated 5 March, which stresses that Land Securities would be “concerned in terms of the longer term regeneration of the bus station area if Paris Street reverted to two-way”. Nick Davis clearly states that his advice is not based on Land Securities’ particular interest as a property owner in this part of the city, but a more generic one which is that developers across the country will tend to press for solutions which eliminate traffic barriers and thus often require bold solutions for them to be effective.

Obviously this is a great concern, we need to actively address the whole issue and put into place a long term environmental traffic management plan which puts pedestrians first – after all it is they who spend money and generate economic activity, not motorists driving through the City Centre.

Most historic cities, such as Cambridge and Bath and York, don’t allow you to drive across the core – it may be convenient but it isn’t necessary. Thus, someone arriving from the east, with a destination on the north side of the City Centre should park in one of the car parks on the eastern corridors and walk 400 metres, rather than driving to the door. If they must drive to their destination, then they take a circuitous route around the core or even the periphery – that’s how it works in Bath.

As a city we are in the enviable position of faring considerably better than most in very difficult economic times. This strength comes from our ability to embrace change and continually move forward, most recently with Princesshay, even when that change is perhaps quite painful. I do not think it over dramatic to state that the Sidwell Street area of the city now represents that next chapter of change, and we really should embrace and plan for the longer term option.

We should all bear in mind that we are simply custodians of the city today, for the future generations of tomorrow.

Thanks & Reflection...

2009-12-24T12:16:00.002Z

So the pre-Christmas rush is almost over in Exeter…

For another year, trading has been relatively buoyant for us during the Christmas period. Conversations with store managers during the last week have underpinned my take on things – that Christmas trade has continued with the encouraging trend prevalent in Exeter during the last 18 months. Exeter isn’t an island and there’s no doubt that we’ve had our challenges during the tough economic climate of the last 12 months, but there does appear to be light at the end of the tunnel, with new stores opening in the City, and choice for our visitors improving still further. The good news is underpinned by our latest City Centre retail vacancy figures (the percentage of City Centre shops lying empty) – currently standing at a relatively modest 6.8%, which compares favorably to the national rate of around 13%.

Now it’s time for an, albeit brief, period of thanks and reflection…

Exeter’s success is down to many things, but there’s no doubt that a large slug of our success is down to the thousands of people working in City Centre businesses and the many hundreds of workers who keep our streets clean, run our public buildings, keep our streets safe, manage our car parks and ensure our buses and trains provide reliable and speedy access in to the City. As many of us break for what we will all feel is a well deserved rest, let’s firstly give a big thanks to the often unsung heroes of our City Centre – many of whom will still be working over the Christmas period. Let’s give thanks for the tireless work of others who make our visits to the City safe and enjoyable – and let’s give thanks for the support of their families too. The City Centre can only operate successfully because of the dedication of so many who often work in challenging situations and give 110% to their job and the community they serve.

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Heart Toast of Devon Awards event earlier this month. The event was humbling, with all those receiving awards having done amazing things for their families and communities. I’m lucky enough to be looking forward to a Christmas with family and loved ones this year, but I will be taking time to think of the many who are not as lucky as me…

The City Centre is more than just one big shopping centre. Commerce is vital to Exeter and the health of its community, but the City Centre is a shop window for the wider community and there are many in that community who will find Christmas difficult. However you do it, whether in one of the wonderful Cathedral Christmas services, or in church, or simply with family and friends, I hope that you will join me in reflecting on those in our community for whom Christmas brings hardship.

Here’s to a period where we can properly reflect on the things that really matter to us all…
…and think of so many others that make the simple things in our life and our City Centre work like clockwork.

Thanks & Happy Christmas.

Moving in the right direction…

2009-12-11T15:29:00.009Z

Today has seen another new name added to the Exeter retail line-up – Virgin Media have opened a store in High Street, right in the heart of the City Centre. The Virgin Media store is the third new store to open in the City Centre during the last week, following hot-on-the-heels of JD Sports (in Princesshay) and Two Seasons (in Bedford Street).

Any new store opening is good news, but the Virgin Media store opening isn’t just a one-off. The latest survey of vacant City Centre retail units undertaken by my office (details set out below) shows a significant drop in the City Centre retail vacancy rate in November for the first time in 15 months. Clearly things could take a turn for the worse again, but it does really begin to feel as though things are beginning to move in the right direction. The percentage of City Centre units now lying empty stands at just 6.88%, considerably less than the national average, and, to date, the Christmas trading news filtering out from retailers is encouraging, with most reporting sales up on this time last year. And it’s not as if we’ve suddenly seen a batch of new stores opening with there having been no good news to report during the early Autumn – businesses such as Carluccio’s, which opened in September, don’t back anything other than competitive, winning centres and November saw new stores in the city for Chatham Marine (Bedford Street), Shake Away (Guildhall Shopping Centre) and Castle Galleries (Cathedral Yard), to name just three.

Although I’m far from complacent, I’m increasingly confident that there will be more new store announcements in the first quarter of 2010. Just catching-up on discussions in relation to attracting a new tenant to the former Woolworths unit this morning, I’m told that negotiations are in the final stages, with an announcement on a new tenant for that site likely in the new year.

Exeter isn’t immune from a challenging national economic picture, but we’ve performed well in comparison to many other town and city centres to date. We can look forward to the trend of positive store announcements continuing in to 2010.

John Harvey 11/12/2009

Active Citizenship…

2009-12-04T15:28:00.004Z

This Sunday – December 6th – sees Hospiscare hold its annual Tree of Light Service in Exeter Cathedral. The special service, and the wonderful Tree of Light, present an opportunity for members of the local community to remember loved ones and to celebrate the lives of friends and family no longer with us. Details on the Tree of Light, and Sunday’s service, can be found at http://www.hospiscare.co.uk/.

The wonderful Christmas Tree, outside the West Front of Exeter Cathedral, is not only the Tree of Light, but also the ‘City’s Christmas Tree In The Close’. The Tree is a symbol of City and charitable & community organisations working together – something that’s really important, as the City Centre is at the heart of the local community. I hope that the presence of the Tree of Light over the coming weeks will help a really important local charity to raise much needed funds for its vital work.

The City Centre will clearly only continue to develop if the myriad of businesses to which it’s home continue to trade successfully. Ultimately, however, the Centre can only thrive as a ‘shop window’ for the local community if the people of Exeter, and the communities that it serves, feel that the City Centre works with the charities and community groups that are important to them. This is something we try our best to deliver – but we would always welcome views from the local community on how we could be ever-more successful with this specific objective. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have a view on this issue at john.harvey@exeter.gov.uk.

It’s all about us recognising the benefits and importance of ‘active citizenship’…

John Harvey.

Posted on: 4/12/2009

Exeter's online advent calendar proving a success!

2009-12-04T10:46:00.005Z

Exeter’s new interactive online Christmas Advent Calendar which launched this week, is proving a great success. Every day a new and exclusive money saving promotion can by found by visiting www.exetershopping.org and clicking on a new window.

With hundreds of people opening the calendar in the first few days, many people have already benefited from the exclusive discounts for Shaker Maker, Leaf Street and Caroline Charles. Other promotions to look forward to include Mama Stones, Exeter Northcott, Debenhams and HQ Hair and Beauty. The offers will stay online throughout December so if you forget to open a door one day you won’t miss out!

Cllr Stella Brock, Lead Councillor for Economy and Tourism, said:

“The calendar is a great way to promote local Exeter's local businesses while saving people money on their Christmas shopping. We have had positive feedback about his promotion with many people downloading the vouchers already.”

John Harvey, Exeter City Centre Manager, said:

“To date, City Centre businesses are reporting that trade is up on last year – which is welcome in the currently challenging national economic climate. I have no doubt that the calendar will help to further boost trade and it’s great to see so many independent stores participating with this initiative – helping to highlight the fantastic mix of retailers we have in Exeter.”

There is still time to find the perfect presents with late night shopping until 9pm on Thursdays and the last Park & Ride at 10pm and many city centre shops are open for longer hours during Christmas week.

There are also some of the festive markets that are taking place throughout the city. Castle Street offers a fantastic location for the Christmas Gift, Produce and Craft Markets throughout December. On Fore Street and South Street the Exeter Farmers’ Market takes place every Thursday and the Christmas Gift Market takes place at the same location every Friday and Saturday.

For more information about upcoming events and the online advent calendar pick up a copy of the essential Christmas guide from Exeter Visitor Information & Tickets or visit www.exeter.gov.uk/christmas.

Posted on: 4/12/2009

Welcome to the Blog - An Introduction

2009-12-04T09:44:00.002Z

My name is John Harvey, the man lucky enough to be the City Centre Manager of Exeter – the regional capital at the heart of the beautiful county of Devon.

Originally from Birmingham, I have been in Exeter for more than a decade, working on a plethora of initiatives and schemes to ensure Exeter City Centre retains its position as the premier shopping destination west of Bristol. I was lucky enough to be at the centre of work on delivering the award-winning Princesshay development; that transformed the City and its image and which has laid great foundations for further City Centre change and renewal over the coming decade and beyond.

Exeter is a great shopper’s destination – not least because it offers so much more than just shopping! The rich heritage of the City, the burgeoning continental café and restaurant culture, the awe-inspiring Cathedral, cinemas, galleries, guided tours and actively used public spaces all create a vibrant City Centre attracting thousands of shoppers and visitors everyday. It’s a great canvas with which to work…

My interests outside work include:
Running – I have run a number of marathons and half marathons (ok it’s a fair cop – I now specialise in walking around the Great West Run route!)
Walking – How could you not enjoy walking in the beautiful City of Exeter, located in the wonderfully scenic county of Devon?
Aston Villa – Keen fan of the Villa… …watching them when I can from the Holte End!
Cycling – Former sceptic, now a convert to the benefits of cycling around this wonderful City.
… and of course a fan of both The Grecians and Exeter Chiefs

John Harvey.

Posted on: 4/12/2009