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Supporting town centres in Northern Ireland
In common with many town centres across the UK and RoI, Northern Ireland’s high streets face significant challenges. Even before the recession some were ailing as shopping habits shifted. The move to leisure shopping, more demanding consumers and the growing importance of the internet all pose significant challenges to traditional high streets.
The NIRC/BRC have identified 20 recommendations for action to improve the viability of high streets, under six key themes:
• Creating a unique sense of place
• Maintaining an attractive public realm
• Planning for success
• Accessibility
• Safety and security
• Supportive regulatory and fiscal regimes
Local authorities and local business groups have important roles to play in creating these environments. In England, Scotland and Wales these groups have come together in Business Improvement Districts to fund targeted measures designed to address local problems. A Business Improvement District is a precisely defined area of a town, city or commercial district where business ratepayers have voted to fund improvements which are additional to those delivered by local councils. The BID allows local businesses to agree to pay a levy on top of their rates bill to provide additional services to improve their local trading environment.
The NIRC is calling for the introduction of BIDs in Northern Ireland.
The NIRC is opposed to the imposition of town centre car parking charges.
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