In April an article in the Observer cited Epsom as a top performer in increasing its town centre footfall. The article described evidence from analysts at Ipsos Retail Performance noting:
“According to Ipsos’s retail traffic index, overall footfall was down 0.9% in the first quarter of 2016 compared with the same period a year ago. But that headline masks the fact that some towns and cities are faring much worse than the national picture would suggest. The Ipsos data singles out Newcastle upon Tyne as the worst performer, with shopper numbers down a hefty 9.95% over the past year, closely followed by Stoke-on-Trent, down 8.1%. Other pockets of particular weakness were Chelmsford, Lincoln and Cambridge.
By comparison Ashford in Kent, Crawley in West Sussex and Epsom in Surrey were among the best-performing retail centres – the result, according to Denison, of wealth radiating out from London.”
That good news about Epsom town centre matches other indicators that things are going well. The car parks are heavily used and, at times running at full capacity. The new owners of the Ebbisham Centre, which houses Epsom library, have announced plans to refurbish Derby Square (which fronts the Centre) with new planting, seating, kiosks and other improvements to bring life and footfall to this part of the town.
As I write this article (in May) the empty units at 5 and 7 High Street (which used to be the Sony Centre and Pizza Hut) could be turned into a large Prezzo (Italian restaurant) if plans are approved, and this will help lift the very important entrance to the town centre from the north under the railway bridge on East Street. In addition, plans have been received for a 57-bed hotel with restaurant and bar on the site of the Comrades Club on The Parade. Of course it is important that all proposed developments are right for the town and are acceptable in planning terms, but every new application from a major company to locate into Epsom is a vote of confidence in our Borough.
All of this is on top of the £3.365 million scheme to improve traffic flow through the town and, crucially, redesign the town centre market place, all of which will begin after Derby week in June. The plans will improve the balance between vehicular and pedestrian movement creating safe pedestrian routes with high quality, safe and uncluttered public spaces. The changes will also ensure that Epsom remains a focus for employment and enhances the attractiveness of the town as a key shopping centre.
Crucially the bus stands currently outside Wilkinson, which sees buses sitting for long periods of time in-between journeys and blocking the road, will be moved to the rear of the Ashley Centre and there will be fewer vehicles driving through the centre of the town once South Street becomes two- way.
Of course work on this scale will mean some disruption, therefore it will be phased. The highway work will be undertaken first but will not start until after the Derby, and it will stop during the Christmas period. Major changes to the market square will start once the highway work is completed, possibly in January 2017. Once the work begins a works liaison officer will be based in the market area to deal with issues as they arise and to be a main point of contact for residents.
It is an exciting time for the Borough in general, and Epsom town centre in particular. If we can see past the initial noise and dust of the road and market place building activity there is an exciting and attractive future for our town centre.
Councillor Eber Kington
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