City acts on retail guru's plan to protect Mill Road
January 28, 2012 2:43 PM
Originally published by Cambridge Liberal Democrats
Originally published by Cambridge Liberal Democrats
An idea by retail guru, Mary Portas to champion high streets and safeguard their future is to be put into practice in Cambridge's Mill Road.
Cambridge City Council is to recruit a Mill Road Champion to support businesses and protect this unique shopping centre.
The idea came from Mary, who stars in the television programme, Queen of Shops. She outlined her survival plan for Britain's town centres in a report to the government at the end of last year.
Mary said that town teams needed to champion their high streets while at the same time businesses needed to be protected from the threat of the multi- national chains through planning.
Independent traders in Mill Road have welcomed the idea of a Mill Road Champion saying that shoppers want to support them but many visitors and even residents don't know what the shopping centre offers.
Steve Wynn, Manager of Cutlacks came to Mill Road in 1964 and says the store has many loyal customers, some who have been returning for 40 years.
"When I came here we had six DIY stores and nine butchers," said Mr Wynn. "It's sad to think how it used to be, but it's gradually coming back. People want to support us but we need to get people to come here.
"I'm fully supportive of the Mill Road Champion idea and hope that he or she can really put us on the map. Unless we start shouting about Mill Road we are not going to get people to know we're here."
Cambridge City Council has been pushing the government to change planning law to give it more power to decide on the mix of businesses in the city rather than the present system which leaves it powerless to act.
The £16,000 a year part-time Street Co-ordinator will be put in place for the next three years to improve the vitality and viability of Mill Road.
He or she will work closely with Love Cambridge and other networks across the city to set up a Mill Road Street Association.
And an action plan will be developed to deliver improvements in marketing and accessibility and to deal with environmental, safety and security issues.
Romsey Councillor, Catherine Smart said: ""We are very aware that the unique character of our city is dependent, to a great extent, on protecting its independent businesses.
"It is this vibrant mix of traders in areas such as Mill Road which gives the city part of its unique appeal for shoppers. But they are extremely vulnerable from the threat of the multi nationals.
"Mary Portas understands that threat only too well and has made it quite clear to government. We are taking on board her recommendations so that we can do all we can to protect Mill Road.
"The Mill Road Champion will focus on promoting businesses and provide a vital link between them, the council, Love Cambridge and other organisations across the city to make sure they prosper and survive."
It is hoped that the work carried out by the Street Co-ordinator will provide sustainable funding to ensure it can continue in the longer term.
Mr Abdul Arain who runs the Al-Amin store in Mill Road welcomed the idea saying: "Mill Road is a vital arterial route and a hub for shopping in Cambridge.
"We need someone who can bring out the true image of Mill Road and this idea, if it is done properly, can only be a good thing."
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