High streets should not try to compete with online retailers or out of town centres on the grounds of cost or convenience, but can attract people with more pleasant urban environments, a webinar heard yesterday.
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Sustrans’ partnerships manager Megan Streb told an event to discuss Devon's new interim carbon plan that “a sense of place and experience are by far the most important things” when considering how to support retail and hospitality in towns and cities.
“Opening up space (in the street) for dining for lingering means you enhance that experience,” she said, adding that towns should make sure people enjoy the time they are there. She also pointed out that making pop up measures – introduced to provide extra space for people dining or queuing – more permanent or attractive can help.
Devon’s interim carbon plan was launched last week for consultation and aims to create a roadmap to achieving net zero across the county. It is led by a group called Devon Climate Emergency, a partnership of local authorities, environmental and community groups.
Mark Hodgson of Exeter based sharing services Co Cars and Co Bikes told the webinar that he agreed that urban centres can “offer something different” in terms of attracting footfall and said their focus should not just be around gentrification but ensuring there are a range of services on offer, including local bicycle shops. He added: “Why do people visit Milan or Paris? It is because they are great spaces to be.”
CIHT South West region immediate past chair Nik Bowyer, a member of Devon Climate Emergency’s net zero task force, told the webinar that the group’s ambitions include reducing the need to travel, helping with a shift to sustainable transport options, more use of electric or sustainable fuelled vehicles and providing high quality mixed use development where possible with sustainable travel built in.
Devon Climate Emergency project manager Emily Reed added that the Interim Devon Carbon Plan had earlier received almost 900 submissions of ideas and evidence from members of the public. She added that the next step will be to host a citizen’s assembly, probably online, next year. To read more about development of Devon's carbon plan, click here.
(Photograph: N Chadwick and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence)
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