Shoppers on rise in town centre

Figures show that Worksop is bucking the national trend which has seen a decline in the number of people visiting our high streets.

Footfall at the Priory Shopping Centre has in increased by 5.5 per cent in 2012, compared to the previous year.

And the number of shoppers who visited the centre in December rose by 5.86 per cent compered to the same month in 2011, which went against national footfall rates that were down on average by five per cent.

The town centre shop vacancy rates also improved, falling by 9.2 per cent in January.

Lynette Bray, manager of Priory Shopping Centre, believes moving the market to the bottom of Bridge Street has increased footfall in the shopping centre. She also put the success down to the centre being safe and friendly.

She said: “I do believe the market has enhanced footfall to the centre and created a vibrancy at this end of the town, however, I could not say for definite if the market has had a direct impact due this being in place before my appointment as centre manager.”

“We’ve got a brilliant security team out in malls assisting shoppers and there’s a great mix of retailers on offer meaning shoppers don’t need to travel far to get the things they need. We hope to match the success of 2012 this year by running events and improving facilities for our shoppers.”

She added: “The centre currently has six empty units and letting agents are actively marketing these and there is has been some positive interest in a number of them.”

Councillor David Pressley, portfolio holder for community prosperity, said it was ‘great’ to see the market having a positive impact and footfall increasing.

He added: “As a council we remain committed to improving Worksop town centre and work is well underway on the Bridge Street improvements, which will see new lighting, street furniture and an enhanced market layout.”

“In addition we will shortly be announcing funding from the High Street Innovation Fund to support the Worksop Town Centre Business Forum.”