Agenda item

The Director of Economy and Environment, Dan Swaine introduced the report and highlighted that information presented at the meeting was a comparison in terms of town centre activity between pre-Covid and the current year, with data on footfall, night time economy, public spend and retail voids.

The Development Officer for Business Doncaster, Andrew McMahon responded to questions raised during the previous item (Doncaster Markets) on the location of the cameras in the town centre, noted by Members as being in St Sepulchre Gate, High Street, Baxtergate, and on the corner of High Fisher Gate.

Areas that were then highlighted to Members included;

• The decline of retail in Doncaster town centre was down to numerous factors that were beyond the authorities control including a nationally outdated business rates system.
• High streets would have to adapt to compete with the online offer, and its three main challenges were;

o   Public perception – that Doncaster’s town centre had image could be improved and Members examples were provided of negative comments made about the town centre through social media.

o   Covid – that there was a need to create the town centre as a safe destination, make best of what Doncaster has, and be willing to consider new options.

o   Changing demand – adapt the Doncaster offer to meet changing consumer habits, acknowledge the threat of online shopping, work with businesses to relocate where needed and embrace the need to change.

The Panel thanked Officers for the presentation then explored the following areas in more detail;

Attracting New Business – It was explained to Members that Business Doncaster took a proactive approach and worked nationally to try and encourage new businesses in both the retail and leisure industries to trade in Doncaster and fill voids.

Reopening of Civic Office – Members recognised that the Civic Offices being opened would help to increase the footfall in the town centre, however, it was noted that that was a corporate decision taking into account national public health guidance.

Homelessness – In regards to rough sleepers in Doncaster, it was advised that they were vulnerable people who required varying levels of support, and that some engaged with the appropriate support systems and some choose not to.  It was recognised that it could be difficult to transition rough sleepers with more complex needs back into mainstream housing whilst they still required support from various organisations.

Other Doncaster Town Centres – Members were reminded that the authority does focus on other town centres across the borough and that last year there had been a town centre recovery plan in Mexborough that had now been extended to Thorne. The Panel were pleased that there were plans to broaden this to other towns even further next year. 

Transport -  It was advised that officer led groups were looking at a regenerative and revised Town Centre Masterplan taking into consideration buses and bus routes, reducing the number of cars and also car parks and the land they utilised. Members stressed that the transport system around the area was not fit for purpose and that the infrastructure needed to be improved as a priority, however it was recognised that the routes and quality of buses provided were at the operators discretion.

Office Space – The Panel was reminded that in previous years Doncaster had a lack of office space and the area was unable to attract big companies to use offices in the town centre.  It was explained that due to Covid-19 pandemic, working practices have changed considerably, and there was now an opportunity for Doncaster to build offices fit for the future to reflect need.

Cleaning – In regards to cleaning the town centre, Members were told that there were schedules in place to help keep the area clean, and it was noted that Covid had increased the amount of waste. There was a recognition that education may be key to changing people’s behaviour regarding dropping litter.

RESOLVED: that the report be noted.