Aberconwy AM, Janet Finch-Saunders, has written an open letter to the authors of a report which ranked Llandudno as having one of the worse high streets in the UK.
In a letter to Cushman and Wakefield, who produced the ‘UK High Streets: Dead or Alive?’ report, Janet said:
“It was with great concern that I note that Llandudno was reported as being in the bottom 10 high streets in the UK – coming in at number 246 on the Retail Resilience Index 2018.
“These findings contrast sharply with my own experience of the town – not only as its local Assembly Member, but as a long-time resident and local business owner.
The Member continued:
“I would question the way in which the Retail Resilience Index 2018 data is weighted to develop these rankings, as the personal and professional experience of myself and so many others involved in business within Llandudno differ so sharply with these results.
“There does seem to be a general feeling that the town’s high street and surrounding shopping streets and centres are vibrant, bustling areas, in which new and existing businesses are thriving and developing. This is particularly the case during the summer season, when the town is a hive of tourism activity.”
Cushman and Wakefield responded to advise that Llandudno’s position in the ranking was hindered by the substantial decline in prime retail rents over the last decade - -47% vs. an average of -28% - as well as relatively weak catchment fundamentals (size, affluence etc.).
The overall ranking was weighted heavily towards the movement in retail property rents and capital values over the last ten years.
The report authors noted, however, that the town does rank well on Quality of Life and GVA Growth over the ten-year period.
ENDS
Notes
Letter attached for reference.
Full table and report also attached.
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Janet Finch-Saunders AM