Debate contribution: High Street and Town Centre Rejuvenation

Debate contribution by Ms Sinéad McLaughlin on 4 November 2024.

MLA

Ms Sinéad McLaughlin

Party at the time

Social Democratic and Labour Party

Date

4 November 2024

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Private Members' Business

Heading

High Street and Town Centre Rejuvenation

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4625895

Read the official Assembly record

Text

There can be absolutely no doubt that high streets and town centres play a vital role in the economic vibrancy and social cohesion of our communities, and we welcome the Alliance Party's motion. It is not an exaggeration to say that the businesses that we find on our high streets, big and small, represent the lifeblood of our economy, creating employment and driving growth across the region. We also know that that role goes beyond mere commercial activity. They are where our communities come together, where local identity is fostered and where social interaction flourishes. A bustling high street supports not only the economy but the quality of life in our towns and cities. As the motion rightly points out, the challenges facing our high streets are significant. The lasting impact of the pandemic, combined with evolving consumer behaviours, has placed tremendous pressure on retailers, the hospitality sector and other businesses that make up the fabric of our high streets. That pressure has not been felt by all businesses equally. Small businesses have faced particular challenges, and it is right to draw attention to just how important that is for considering how we reinvigorate our high street economy. Family-run shops, independent cafes, local pubs and unique speciality stores give our town centres character and diversity. Rising costs, inflation and reduced consumer spending are putting a strain on those businesses. I see it in my own city of Derry and across the North, where they are struggling to recover from the impacts of the pandemic. If we do not take decisive action to support them, we risk losing not only those businesses but the character and vitality that they bring to our streets. Reform of non-domestic rates is central to that conversation. The case for change has never been clearer: the current system is outdated and does not reflect the economic realities faced by small businesses in our community today. Reforming that system is not simply a matter of easing the financial burden on small enterprises: it is about creating a fair and more balanced economic environment, where businesses of all sizes can thrive. We must ensure that the system is more equitable, with targeted relief for small businesses and measures that encourage investment and growth in our town centres. While reforming non-domestic rates is a crucial step, we must recognise that it is only part of the solution. The recent Budget announcement grants us further opportunity. Rate reliefs for businesses from the relevant Barnett consequential funding must be ring-fenced by the Executive. Funding for services must not be allowed to come to Stormont and then just fall into a big black hole. Businesses are calling out for strategic planning of additional funding, and the SDLP will continue to make that case. Rate relief is just one measure that is used to support our struggling high streets. A comprehensive strategy of high street rejuvenation is needed to address the full range of challenges that our town centres face. The strategy should be multifaceted, not only targeted financially but to address structural issues that have been exacerbated by the economic downturn and the shift to online shopping. In 2022, the main political parties, representatives of the 11 councils and some 33 businesses, trade unions and community sector groups all agreed the final high street task force report recommendations. The high street task force outlined a vision for revitalising high streets and called for a five-year programme, focused on creating high streets that are fit for the 21st century. Since then, however, nothing has happened: absolutely nothing. Significantly, the Executive Office has refused calls from Retail NI and Hospitality Ulster for it to be recalled, and no explanation has been given to them. We are letting down our high street businesses by ignoring the task force and its recommendations. Those recommendations could form the basis of a strategy for the Economy and Finance Ministers. The comprehensive strategy that we develop could be built upon the task force recommendations. That would mean greater investment in infrastructure and public space, making our high streets attractive, inclusive and accessible places where people want to spend. That is why we welcome the amendment by Gerry Carroll on the need for retail centres that are accessible for disabled people. Investing in cleaner, greener and safer public spaces, as well as improving pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, can make our town centres more inviting and encourage higher footfall. It will also mean incentivising the use of vacant properties. We all know that empty shops and derelict buildings are a common sight on many high streets. They contribute to a sense of decline and, certainly, a sense of wasted opportunities. We need policies that encourage property owners to bring vacant units back into use, whether for new businesses, community spaces or, indeed, housing. We also need to support local events and community activities. We need to embrace digital and technological innovation and to foster sustainable development. Each of those measures will be integral to the rejuvenation of our high streets, if they are properly implemented. While it is important to aim to revive traditional retail, we must also help local businesses to adapt to the digital age. Providing support to small businesses to adopt digital tools, develop online sales channels and integrate e-commerce in their in-store offering will enable them to compete in a changing marketplace. We must not forget that the future of our high streets must be environmentally sustainable. Investing in green infrastructure such as energy-efficient buildings and sustainable transport will not only reduce costs for businesses but contribute to broader environmental goals. That can include incentives for businesses to make energy-efficient upgrades and measures to promote sustainable forms of transport, such as cycling and electric vehicle charging points etc. Finally, any strategy to rejuvenate our high streets must involve local partnerships and community input. Each high street has its own unique strengths and challenges, and local councils, businesses and community groups are best placed to identify and address those needs. By empowering local communities to take the lead in reshaping their town centres, we can ensure that solutions are tailored to the specific requirements of each area. District councils should be encouraged to develop bespoke high street action plans that are informed by the views of local residents and other stakeholders. The report of the high street task force supported that place-based approach, which puts local needs and aspirations at the heart of the regeneration efforts. In conclusion, I urge the Assembly to support our amendment, which recognises the importance of developing "a comprehensive strategy to rejuvenate" our "high streets and town centres". Let us seize the opportunity to invest in our own communities, to support our local businesses and to build town centres that are not only economically vibrant but socially and inclusively enriching. Our high streets are the heart of our communities, and, by taking bold action now, we can ensure that they are thriving places for generations to come.

1,164 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

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Assessed 21 October 2026 at 11:28 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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