An action plan aimed at supporting independent retailers in Bath and surrounding towns and strengthening local shopping areas is to be produced by Bath & North East Somerset Council amid growing concern over the number of empty stores.
The council is to consult with business groups as well as the Bath Business Improvement District (BID) to draw up a range of measures to help boost footfall and promote the area’s shopping streets. 
It will also look at how best to achieve the right balance of locally-owned, independent stores and national chains – a key factor in Bath city centre – as well as parking provision, problems with anti-social behaviour and improvements to paving, lighting and seating.
Bath city centre has traditionally had a strong retail offering, enabling it to attract a number of high-end retailers. It was the first city outside London chosen by T2, the Australian tea retailer, and Anthropologie, the upscale American homeware and fashion retailer, pictured below, for expansion. As a result, rents on prime city centre shop units have been the highest in the South West for many years.
But the changing nature of retail – with online shopping becoming increasingly popular – means major store groups are reducing their number of outlets. They are also looking for larger shop units, often over several floors. Both these factors are not only hitting the city centre, but also the market towns of North East Somerset and Bath’s suburban shopping streets. 
Some commentators claim the number of empty stores in the city centre is damaging Bath’s reputation as the West of England’s upmarket retail centre – particularly in areas popular with visitors such as Milsom Street.
However, the BID and council claim the number of empty units is just 4% of the total – way below the national average of 11%.
Critics also point to the fact that the council is a major landowner in the city centre and so could influence the mix of shops, including offering space to local artisan traders.
Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES) cabinet member for economic and community regeneration, Cllr Paul Myers, pictured, who is leading the work on the action plan, said: “We’re lucky to have some of the best shopping districts in the country, ranging from Bath’s world-renowned city centre, to our historic market towns and vibrant local high streets.
“However, we also know that, with the ever-increasing use of online shopping, high streets across the country are facing the challenge of adapting to the changing way people use local shops. 
“We have been asking local traders and business groups in the city for their views, listening to the main issues affecting their shopping areas and gathering their ideas as part of developing the action plan.
“To ensure that we can support the whole of B&NES we will also be engaging business groups in North East Somerset to make sure that we can deliver as much support to the sector as possible.
Some of the issues the action plan is proposing to look at include:
- How best to promote local shopping districts;
- Working with traders to improve the shopping experience in local retail centres and high streets to encourage greater footfall;
- How the council should engage with local traders on an ongoing basis to ensure they continue to be supported in the years ahead;
- How to encourage a broad choice of retailers for shoppers, ranging from larger ‘anchor’ stores to smaller independent traders;
- What are the main factors that affect shopping districts, such as parking provision, public realm improvements, antisocial behaviour and community facilities.
Cllr Myers added: “Obviously any proposals will need to take account of the financial constraints the council faces and the future regeneration plans. But the council does have an important role to play in supporting our local economy. By working in partnership with local traders there’s much we can do to support locally-driven solutions.”
The council has said it recognised that there will be different issues affecting different parts of the area and wants to engage with local business groups such as chambers of commerce for all of its towns as well as the Bath BID in producing the action plan.
