A bit behind on the blogging posts, but you need your planning hat on here.
Access
Shopping centres require good access, this reduces the friction of distance, so anywhere close to main roads, or with tram or train access is advantageous.
You will also require roads that are free from congestion.
You will also require good access to allow delivery vehicles to supply the retailers with ease.
Good access and a reduction in the friction of distance will also extend the catchment area of the centre.
Good access will also be needed during the construction of the centre.
The site
Flat and devoid from the risk of flooding will make construction easier and less expensive.
A surrounding pleasant environment will also be attractive for investors and shoppers.
A large site
A large site has several advantages.
This allows for the building of a large centre, with of course will allow a large variety of multiples to be accommodated.
A large site also allows for greater storage space, meaning shops can stock a larger variety of products.
A large site also allows for a large car parking area, obviously free and readily available, car parking allows better access and encourages people to buy in bulk.
If there is space around the site, it may allow for expansion at a later date or encourage the investment of associated retailers.
Greenfield ‘v’ Brownfield
There a number of pros and cons to each. (Just some random quick thoughts- it is after parents’ evening)
Brownfield site
Against
- The site may need to be reclaimed from it’s previous industrial use, this may be expensive.
- It may be difficult to market such a development on a former industrial site, the environment may not be particularly appealing.
- Access to the site may be restricted due to its urban location, I.e. congestion.
- Land costs may be high in central urban areas.
For
- As a former industrial site, it may be easier to receive planning permission, particularly if unemployment is high. Local government may be keen to have a new regeneration project.
- Infrastructure may already be present.
- The site may provide access to a large urban population, hence custom.
Greenfield
Against
- Planning permission will be more difficult, Government is not keen to encourage urban sprawl and the encroachment of rural areas.
- Infrastructure may not be present.
- Access may have to be improved.
- Damage to the environment and potential public protest.
For
- Cheaper land costs, due to less competition.
- Easier access away from congested urban areas.
- Larger sites.
- More pleasant environment.
Socio-Economics of the area.
Obviously you want your centre to have customers, so you are going to have to think carefully about the socio-economic profile of the area.
Does it have a high income level? - therefore the ability to spend!
What is the unemployment rate? A double-edged sword, high unemployment would mean a reduced capacity to spend, but it may provide willing workers and potentially make planning permission easier.
What professions are dominant in the area? - young professionals with leisure time and high disposable incomes?
Do people own cars?- thereby the ability to buy in bulk.
What is the dominant demographic in the area? Would a centre in a predominantly student area be the correct customer base you are looking for?
Doughnuts, Tesco and Cloning tomorrow….
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