Urmston Town Centre Road Map

• Overarching plan for activities taking place in Urmston town centre over the next year

• Set the priorities for the work of the Council in the town centre and identifies future activity.

• The proposed aims for the Road Map are to:

o Identify developments that will realise the potential of the town centre;o Identify how the retail, leisure and services offer in the town centre,

including the evening economy, can be improved;o Promote Urmston as a place to live, work, shop, relax and enjoy;o Increasing the footfall of the town;o Assist existing businesses in maintaining and improving their business

performance and sustainability whilst encouraging new businesses;o Ensure Urmston town centre is a clean, safe and accessible place;o Ensure the town centre fulfils its role as a vibrant social hub for the

whole community.

Urmston Road Map - Boundary

Baseline Position

• Vacancy rate (Ground Floor):

o Urmston – 11.9%,

o North West – 17.3%,

o National –13.9%

• Net number of new business openings – 7

• Proportion of independent businesses – 78%

• Total business rates - £4.12 million

• Off street parking - 685 spaces / On street parking 49 spaces

• Total Recorded Crime fell 2.8% between 2011/12 and 2012/13.

SWOT

Opportunities

e.g. Improved signage and information, Victoria Parade, Town Centres Loan Scheme, pop-up shops, environmental improvements, Urmston market

Threats

e.g. Business rates , economic climate, increasing numbers of charity/discount shops, competition from Trafford Centre & online

Strengths

e.g. Independent retailers, big retail names & supermarkets, events, entertainment area and outdoor seating (Eden Sq), affluent populations nearby.

Weaknesses

e.g. Proximity to Trafford Centre, poor signage poor leisure & cultural offer, Victoria Parade vacancies.

• Business Support

o Economic Growth Team

o Loan Scheme

• Events

o Spring & Christmas

o Food Festivals & Markets

• Retail offers / competitions

• Environmental Improvements

• Communications

o Newsletters, Social Media, Press Releases, Business Visits

• Stakeholder Involvement

o Urmston Town Partnership

o Locality Partnership

Current Activities

Future Opportunities & Actions

• Landlords’ Forums

• Uses for vacant units

• Victoria Parade & Pop Up Shops

• Events

o Including Artisan Market on Higher Road

• Market

• Environmental Improvements & Signage

• Websites

• Promotion of Business Rates relief schemes

• Town Centre Profiles

• Performance monitoring