Llanelli Labour AM Keith Davies will today use a short debate in the National Assembly for Wales to outline his vision for the future of town centres, including Llanelli in a speech entitled “Urban Regeneration 2.0 – Creating sustainable urban communities and town centres”.
The debate takes place on the day that figures published by retail specialists Harper Dennis Hobbs place Llanelli second from bottom in its top 500 places to shop.
Mr Davies’ ambition for the town centre is to capitalise on the new Swansea Bay City Region. The Board, taking a strategic lead, should concentrate on creating complementary urban retail centres rather than the competition focus of previous years.
Mr Davies will suggest more effective use of pop-up shops and short festivals to attract new visitors as well as encouraging a mix of retail and living accommodation to create safer, more sustainable town centre areas.
Keith Davies AM will say:
“Consumer habits have changed in recent years. From where we shop, where we live and how we travel. If we want to fill that demand, we must first create it.”
“The offer we must make in attracting people to the town centre needs to be diverse in its appeal to different groups and purposes.”
“We can draw on best practice elsewhere. But I believe the emphasis should be on complimenting not competition within the West Wales region. Through that we can influence hearts and minds.”
“My dedication to the town centre is longstanding. I have taken the time to develop creative ideas like installing internet shopping lockers at train stations, and lead calls for a creative industries enterprise zone in Carmarthenshire.”
“Urban regeneration is wider than the town centre. Creating communities that shop and live local is a sure way to inject vibrancy.”
“Integrated transport is a key platform of the City Region idea. Llanelli station is a gateway to the town, but isn’t in the centre like the bus station is. There is merit in exploring the Transport for London Oyster Card model – and given my comments on local branding, a West Wales ‘cockle card’ seems fitting enough to me!”
“Llanelli high street has its challenges, but there are exciting developments underway. My vision is to capitalise on the distinct brand we already have in Llanelli. Using City Region Boards as steers, we can learn from examples elsewhere and develop an offer that complements not competes.”
Mr Davies has met regularly with town centre management and Arriva Trains Wales to raise these issues first hand. He created and Chairs the Station Road Forum in Llanelli to champion improvements in the areas perception.
Watch the short debate here http://www.senedd.tv/
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