Ilkeston is in competition from many local shopping areas such as Nottingham and perhaps even the slum known as Derby 
, out-of-town centres such as Meadowhall are also attractive to consumers but why?
What problems does Ilson High Street face?
You suggested
The lack of uncover shopping, with the exception of the Albion Centre, where the cover has openings! Not good for all year around shopping.
Lack of accessibility, you suggested for the less mobile the steep incline of Upper Bath Street is difficult to navigate. You also suggested that accessing the High Street via car is difficult. One, due to congestion, the second due to available parking. You also worried about the security of the parking and the charging.
The range of shops available, despite the fact that Ilson has, for a small town, quite a variety of multiple outlets. You also commented on the opening hours, which were limited for people who work shifts.
Crime and safety, low order crimes such as vandalism, make the environment unattractive, whilst perception of crime, makes people feel unsafe whilst shopping.
Environment, some of you suggested that the frontages of buildings looked a little tired, whilst the lack of pedestrianisation on Lower Bath Street didn’t make it a pleasant area to shop. Some of you also mentioned litter.
What does out-of-town shopping offer?
Meadowhall in Sheffield is a classic example of an out-of-town shopping centre. What does it offer?
Access, great accessibility.
12,000 car-parking spaces, train and tram access, 120 buses per hour, 300 coach spaces.
Environment.
Undercover, temperature controlled, pleasant lighting, whilst street furniture, art work and vegetation all enhance the environment. Due to its enclosed nature, it is also safer, security guards patrol and there is CCTV.
The environment is also good for less mobile visitors, with lifts and ramps, and specialist toilet facilities. Mothers are catered for with baby changing facilities, a creche and play area.
Shopping.
223 different shops and longer opening hours.
Leisure.
One thing I didn’t convince you of is that shopping is now a leisure pursuit, retailers are keen to tap into this. Meadowhall offers a leisure shopping experience, it has the largest food court in Europe, a cinema with 11 screens and holds special events to attract in visitor who may also shop.
The question you need to ask yourself is how does Ilson compete? The answer, develop the High Street to model the features of out-of-town shopping.
Ilkeston has been successfully, believe it or not, in maintaining its customer base, others have not, and in some areas this has had serious consequences for the High Street.
So, what makes a good out-of-town shopping site? Coming next…
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