Local Transport Today is the authoritative, independent journal for transport decision makers. Analysis, Comment & News on Transport Policy, Planning, Finance and Delivery since 1989.

Stations can be part of antidote for high street retail gloom

James Dark
20 January 2012
 

The challenges retailers face from the faltering economy were illustrated graphically last month by Mary Portas’s review of the high street. Her gloomy assessment is backed up by figures from the British Retail Consortium showing large increases in firms going into administration. It is widely expected that major brands will be among the next set of casualties.

However, some rare bright spots in the retail sector remain. One is stations, which are comfortably outperforming the high street. Latest figures from Network Rail show a 3.85% growth in retail sales at its 17 managed stations between July and September 2011, compared to 2010. During this period high street sales were virtually stagnant, growing  0.1%.

To some extent, the positive performance of retailing at major stations reflects growth in passenger numbers, but it is apparent that other forces are at work too.  The concept of a station as a destination in its own right, offering a variety of high quality retail and leisure opportunities, is becoming more common. The potential for stations to fulfil this role, and also assist in the regeneration of surrounding areas, is apparent in the successful redevelopment of large stations such as Manchester Piccadilly, London Paddington and many European examples. At Birmingham New Street, the station redevelopment is the focus for the revitalisation of the Pallasades shopping centre. Projects at medium-sized stations such as St Helens and St Albans show the possibilities for enhancing retailing at smaller stations too.

More broadly, a study by consultant Steer Davies Gleave for Network Rail has shown that investment in stations can increase property values in the immediate vicinity by 30%, directly support the overall growth of city centre economies, and act as a catalyst for wider regeneration. 

Looking to the future, stations are set to become hubs for a wider range of services. Network Rail has signed a deal with The Office Group to install drop-in satellite work places at its major stations which will offer shared or private working areas similar to airport business lounges, along with meeting rooms. Network Rail’s director of property, David Biggs, described  the move as a logical next step in station facilities. What else could follow? One development seems likely to be retail banking. Richard Branson has set out his intention to provide Virgin Money banks at stations on the West Coast Main Line should Virgin retain the franchise.

As well as providing for passengers, Network Rail’s plans for its estate could lead to stations becoming redeveloped  almost as ready-made town centre shopping malls. The scale of the opportunities is illustrated by the fact that its 17 major stations already have more retail space than Bluewater, even if the offer is fairly limited in its range at present. There are also opportunities for Network Rail and train operators to explore how medium-sized stations can be redeveloped to the benefit of their town centres, by providing the focus for high quality, mixed use shopping, leisure and business facilities, and a welcoming and convenient connection to high streets. In this way, stations can contribute to the prosperity of urban retailers.

There may even be business cases for some stations to be moved so that they are in a better location to contribute to regeneration, while providing a more convenient place for passengers to catch the train. This was not an issue that was explored in Portas’s report; nor was the impact that poorly presented  and maintained stations have on town centres. Perhaps it is an area she should have considered.   


David Biggs will be among the speakers at the Landor LINKS-sponsored UK  Rail Stations conference in London on February 22.

 


Specialist Transport Services Manager
Warrington Borough Council
Warrington
GRADE 13 (£58,797 - £63,735)
Specialist Transport Services Manager
Warrington Borough Council
Warrington
GRADE 13 (£58,797 - £63,735)
Specialist Transport Services Manager
Warrington Borough Council
Warrington
GRADE 13 (£58,797 - £63,735)
View all Vacancies
 
Search
 
 
 

TransportXtra is part of Landor LINKS

© 2024 TransportXtra | Landor LINKS Ltd | All Rights Reserved

Subscriptions, Magazines & Online Access Enquires
[Frequently Asked Questions]
Email: subs.ltt@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7959

Shop & Accounts Enquires
Email: accounts@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7855

Advertising Sales & Recruitment Enquires
Email: daniel@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7861

Events & Conference Enquires
Email: conferences@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7865

Press Releases & Editorial Enquires
Email: info@transportxtra.com | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7875

Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Advertise

Web design london by Brainiac Media 2020