Experts believe Bournemouth’s town centre can thrive with the right changes
Bournemouth: Dr. Jeff Bray, a consumer behavior expert at Bournemouth University, points out some challenges the town faces. High rents from landlords are a big issue, making it tough for both new and established stores to thrive.
He mentions that shopping habits have shifted, with more people opting for online shopping and places like Castlepoint. But there’s still a strong desire for leisure and shopping experiences in the town centre.
Dr. Bray believes Bournemouth has the potential to be a lively shopping destination. However, the high rents set by corporate landlords are a major hurdle. Even popular chains like Superdrug and WHSmith struggle to make it work here.
He explains that the problem isn’t a lack of customers or spending; it’s all about those steep rents. Landlords often hesitate to lower prices because it would hurt their property values, which is a real challenge for Bournemouth compared to other areas.
To help, BCP Council is trying a new government scheme to offer empty units for rent to businesses. Dr. Bray notes that while online shopping has impacted demand, increasing housing in the area could draw more people back to the town centre.
Changes are already underway, with places like House of Fraser being converted into student housing. This could help boost demand while reducing retail space without harming the high street.
Living in the town centre makes shopping more convenient, and Dr. Bray suggests that converting upper floors of buildings into residential spaces could help balance supply and demand effectively.
