Media 2012 Press Releases

WYG gains insight for Bradford’s retail future - 13/8/2012

WYG begins investigation into retail spending, shopping patterns and town centre performance across Bradford to assist the Council’s decision making on future retail need up to 2026.

Working on behalf of Bradford Council the study will be used to inform the Council’s emerging Core Strategy Development Plan Document (DPD) and future retail planning strategy for the next 15 years. The DPD will guide future development into key growth areas and ensure that key regeneration and planning priorities can be delivered in the long term. The study will be completed to inform the Council‘s formal Core Strategy DPD scheduled for public consultation in late 2012.  

For this new appointment the award winning consultancy will be getting into the minds of local consumers to understand shopping patterns and desires as well as looking at retail business performance to evaluate future retail floor space requirements.  WYG will also examine how the recession has affected local shopping patterns and the vitality and viability of the district’s town, district and local centres and evaluate whether the current retail landscape is delivering sustainable shopping provision for Bradford’s communities.

Paul Shuker, Associate, WYG said: “We are delighted to be continuing our relationship with Bradford Council and will be drawing on the many years experience we have accumulated to meet the Council’s requirements in completion of this important study.

“This new appointment demonstrates our strong skills and experience of advising the public sector in key evidence based analysis and delivering innovative and sound research projects which can influence future planning policies.

“The biggest challenge for Bradford Council is how they are going to respond positively to declining town centre environments and closing shops as well as responding to the growth of online shopping and diversify into specialist retailing sectors.  Creating vibrant and viable town centres is extremely complex and there is no ‘one fix all solution’ to encourage vibrancy and growth.  However, this research will allow the Council to understand the issues facing the retail business community and allow them to decide what are the best possible solutions to take forward through to 2026.”

WYG has been advising Bradford District Metropolitan Council on retail planning matters since 2007 when the consultancy produced the Bradford Retail and Leisure Study (BRLS) and have subsequently advised on various retail planning applications across the district. 

Image caption: City Park, Bradford