9:43am Tuesday 9th March 2010
By Matt Smith
ONE of Southampton’s oldest shopping districts will die if shoppers don’t support it, traders are warning.
Woolston shop owners are forming a traders association to fight the decline of the historic centre, which has seen a steep slide in business since the old Vosper Thornycroft shipyard shut in 2004.
Traders are worried the proposed 1,620-home Centenary Quay development on the old Vosper Thornycroft shipyard is taking far too long to arrive. Deals have only recently been signed clearing the way for a decade of works to begin on the £500m project.
In the meantime, the new association wants the city council to help by fixing pavements, reviewing business rates and tidying up the neighbourhood.
Association secretary Colin Martin said: “It is important that we make the area more appealing, not only to attract back shoppers that have gone elsewhere, but also to make it more attractive for new retailers wishing to move into the area”.
Chairman Andy Grace added: “Woolston used to have a village atmosphere, possibly unique in Southampton, but over the years, with the moving of the Co-op, the closure of Vospers and the disappearance of Woolworth’s along with several smaller retailers it has seen a steady decline.
“The local traders see the shopping district as an important part of the local community and are determined not to see it die.
“But, at the end of the day, it is the local residents that will determine the future of the area – the shops are here for them to use, if they don’t use us they will lose us forever.”
With the help of the council the association has proposed several projects to breathe new life into the area.
Local schools are being invited to design murals to decorate the fence surrounding the Centenary Quay construction site. And another Christmas Festival is being planned for 2010.
There are also talks to turn empty shops over to community based activities such as an art gallery.
Cabinet member for economic development, councillor Royston Smith welcomed the reformed association.
He said the council has successfully lobbied the Government to revalue business rates and had drawn up a 12 point improvement plan for Woolston.
He said shop fronts were being painted to give them a more uniform appearance and parking restrictions were being eased. Welcome signs were being considered alongside a local marketing campaign and loyalty card system He said: “The council is keen to support initiatives that are generated by the local business community, particularly when they demonstrate not just their ingenuity and flair but their energy and enthusiasm.”
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