GREATER collaboration, community wellbeing and a focus on the green agenda are key to the future success of Coventry and Warwickshire’s high streets, according to a new report.
The future of high streets and town centres is the theme of the current Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub SmartRegion report.
Removal of the “Plan B” restrictions are helping spend and footfall recovery across the area’s town and city centres, the report has highlighted.
Increased footfall is also being helped by the Coventry Business Improvement District (BID) securing £150,000 of funding from Arts Council England for ‘The Show Windows’ project.
BID Leamington also took the opportunity to test future ideas, such as trailing pedi-bikes in partnership with the University of Warwick’s Creative Futures initiative.
Trish Willetts, BID Director of Coventry BID Ltd, said: “With regular projects and interventions from May 2021 when Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture started right through last year and towards May 2022, the BID businesses have seen a gradual and steady recovery.
“Moving forwards, I think it is important to invest in last mile delivery for businesses moving to the city, and the Very Light Rail infrastructure will be key to removing traffic congestion from the city centre and creating a greener and cleaner space for people to enjoy.”
Craig Humphrey, Managing Director of the CWLEP Growth Hub, said it was important to be creative and innovative to encourage footfall in the area’s high streets.
“Coventry city centre has benefited hugely from being UK City of Culture since the local authority has invested over £44 million in public realm improvements as part of preparations – and it has also, crucially, been a magnet for further investment,” he said.
“Leamington town centre and Coventry city centre have remained resilient despite all the difficulties businesses have faced throughout Covid-19.
“We must continue to provide support to enable them to recover from the effects of the pandemic and create a range of opportunities for people to come to our area’s high streets, whether that is during the day or night.”
