Save our shops: setting the record straight
We understand that an unsigned, anonymous letter which makes a number of inaccurate and unfounded claims about the upcoming changes to our High Street, has been distributed to residents and want to put the facts straight.
The High Street improvement plan addresses concerns that residents have been making about the High Street through informal and Council consultations for over a decade. The BCA secured funding for improvements in 2019 and has been working with officers at the Council, who are professionals in the field of town planning and transport engineering, to address residents’ concerns and to deliver a once in a generation plan for improvements to the High Street for everyone that uses it.
The plan for the High Street includes a much needed new bus stop, wider pavements, seating, greenery, a new loading bay and additional new bike racks. It aims to address the current congestion problems which mean that buses cannot pass outside M&S and Sainsburys. It will result in a more people-friendly high street for us all which will attract people to the area and most importantly to the shops.
It has been falsely claimed that 17 parking spaces will be lost. In fact, 16 parking bays will be reallocated within the area, although some of them will be shared with resident permit holder in areas where there is capacity, according to Council data. 5 additional parking bays will be added along (or adjacent to) the south side pavement of the High Street. In total shoppers will have 18 parking bays available instead of the existing 16. People wishing to drive to the High Street will still be able to load and unload so businesses which rely on passing trade should be unaffected. Blue badge holders will be able to park anywhere on the High Street. Since some businesses were concerned about the movement of all parking bays along the north side pavement, the final plan restores some bays along this stretch.
The plan was subject to an informal BCA consultation before a formal Council consultation in October 2020 with all businesses and residents in a defined area around the High Street. Large notices were put on lampposts in the area. Information about the consultation was disseminated through the Council’s social media and supported by the BCA’s communications (including on Nextdoor). The BCA consultation showed that 69% of residents support the removal of parking in the High Street to bring wider benefits. 61% of the 364 residents and businesses who responded to the Council’s consultation supported the proposals. Only 27% indicated that they drive to the High Street. The remaining 73% wanted improvements for pedestrians and cyclists. We visited all businesses in the High Street to explain the plan and many are supportive.
Whilst all high streets need some parking, and we recognise that a number of retailers oppose the loss of parking bays immediately outside their shops. The future is about creating attractive shopping parades that will draw people in and encourage them to dwell and spend money. We know that many businesses and residents support our view. The parklet is a very good example of this. Case studies from across London suggest that parklets increase business profits by up to 30%.
The BCA exists for the greater good of the community, led by dedicated trustees, staff and volunteers. We work tirelessly to support businesses and residents by delivering projects which will improve the local environment for everyone and events which draw people to the area. Any development or improvement of the High Street necessarily involves change, which some people will naturally resist. We accept that no scheme will please everyone. Our task is to weigh up the pros and cons carefully and together with council officers, devise a scheme that we believe achieves the greatest public benefit. Our view is that both the High Street plan and the parklet achieve that goal and that these changes will be for the better.
Barnes has never been so successful and this is down to the work of the BCA and the Town Centre Manager who has been the retailers’ champion for nearly 10 years. In spite of the pandemic, footfall in Barnes High Street is at a five year high. Businesses are opening up in the village on a daily basis and we are confident that if we continue to deliver positive projects such as the parklet and the High Street improvements, Barnes will continue to thrive.
