Town Centre Uses in Scotland

Citation

Sparks L (1998) Town Centre Uses in Scotland. Scottish Government. Development Department Research Programme Research Findings, 59. The Scottish Office, Edinburgh. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/1998/12/75aff4b2-b190-4a3c-a6db-f586895779b2

Abstract
This work was commissioned by The Scottish Office in 1998 to provide advice on trends in town centre uses and their contribution to town centre vitality and viability. The study was to examine what makes a successful town centre and how various components, singly and collectively, interact to provide vitality and viability; understand how town centres have been changing and what changes are likely to occur in the future; and assess the role of and implications for planning policy and other government policies and initiatives of the current and future town centre uses. Main Findings: The key conclusions from the consideration of planning and policy are: National planning policy through NPPG8 is generally appropriate and realistic and will reduce the scope for decentralised activities; positive policies in the areas of housing and transport are needed and should focus on the potential for more effective and efficient use of existing locations; local authorities have been broadly effective in making positive efforts, although financial constraints have resulted in a focus on building partnerships; local strategies will be key for town centres to thrive in their locality; town centre management has had many successes, but its long term progress depends on developing sustainable methods of funding; the funding crisis of town centre management must be resolved as a matter of urgency and local authorities need to be able to invest more freely in town centres; ideas such as BIDS/TIZS, hypothecation of business rates, reconstruction of the rating system and differential rate relief, and rewards for town centre investment need to be analysed and implemented rapidly; positive policies towards town centres and town centre investment are needed to balance any negative policies and to win over new users to town centres.