lesmahagow town centres comparator review
DESCRIPTION
This report presents a review of town and village centres in South Lanarkshire, and three good practice comparators across Scotland. Along with other background analysis, it was used by EKOS to develop a Marketing and Events Strategy for Lesmahagow.TRANSCRIPT
Report for South Lanarkshire Council March 2012
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Lesmahagow Village Centre: Comparator Centre Review
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Contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Review of Local Centres 2
3. Review of Good Practice Centres 7
Appendix 1: Lesmahagow 11
Appendix 2: Kirkmuirhill 12
Appendix 3: Blackwood 13
Appendix 4: Coalburn 14
Appendix 5: Lanark 15
Appendix 6: Strathaven 16
Appendix 7: Larkhall 17
Appendix 8: Carluke 18
Appendix 9: Hamilton 19
Appendix 10: West Kilbride, Ayrshire 20
Appendix 11: Huntly, Aberdeenshire 21
Appendix 12: Baxters Stores, Scotland 22
Lesmahagow Comparator Centre: South Lanarkshire Council
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1. Introduction
This report presents a review of eight local town/village centres within the catchment
for Lesmahagow‟s residents, and also a review of three good practice examples.
Eight comparator centres were selected due to their proximity to Lesmahagow and
the likelihood that residents would visit these places for shopping/leisure in direct
competition with the village centre. The eight centres were:
Kirkmuirhill (2.9 miles distance)
Blackwood (3.3 miles distance)
Coalburn (3.5 miles distance)
Lanark (7 miles distance)
Strathaven (9 miles distance)
Larkhall (9 miles distance)
Carluke (15 miles distance)
Hamilton (15 miles distance)
The comparator centre review consisted of an initial visit to each location followed by
online research, personal knowledge and document review.
Three good practice locations were selected:
West Kilbride, Ayrshire;
Huntly, Aberdeenshire; and
Baxters Stores, Scotland (Blackford, Ocean Terminal, Selkirk and
Fochabers).
The good practice locations were researched, again, by a combination of methods
which were online research, previous knowledge and document review.
Lesmahagow Comparator Centre: South Lanarkshire Council
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2. Review of Local Centres
This section presents a summary review of the eight local centres – further details
are provided in the Appendices (2-9).
2.1 Kirkmuirhill and Blackwood
Kirkmuirhill and Blackwood, whilst separate villages, largely comprises one
settlement. Kirkmuirhill is the closest of the local centres to Lesmahagow at a
distance of less than three miles (2.9m); Blackwood is just over three miles (3.3m).
The villages have a combined population of around 3,700 people1.
Kirkmuirhill comprises one street of low level, medium to lower specification retail
units consisting of convenience stores, fast food outlets and services.
Blackwood does not have a formal village centre or main street; with one
convenience store situated on entry from Kirkmuirhill.
It is unlikely that either Kirkmuirhill or Blackwood would attract residents of
Lesmahagow as retail is largely convenience stores and fast food outlets. Given the
proximity, residents of these villages could be attracted to Lesmahagow if the
range/quality of retail and leisure offer is improved.
2.2 Coalburn
Coalburn is situated 3.5 miles from Lesmahagow and has a population of 1,2472.
The village consists of a main street that runs through the village. Retail is provided
in a parade of single storey units comprising convenience store, pharmacy, fast food
take away. There is a single storey „One Stop Shop‟ providing post office and other
services; and two vacant premises. The village also has a primary school, medical
practice, bowling club, Masonic hall and miners welfare club.
It is unlikely that Coalburn would attract residents of Lesmahagow, but potential to
attract trade in the opposite direction. Residents of Coalburn will travel outwith the
village for service and retail provision.
1 Source: SCROL
2 Source: SCROL
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2.3 Lanark
Situated seven miles east of Lesmahagow (c. 20 minute drive) with a population of
10,3733 Lanark is a fairly large and bustling market town centre with a mix of retail
(comparison and convenience), leisure and service provision, including a number of
„destination‟ shops that will attract customers from a large area.
Whilst Lanark has retained a high proportion of independent retail outlets, there are
also a significant number of major multi-national and chain stores (including M&Co,
Boots, WH Smith, Superdrug and Holland & Barratt, as well as smaller chain
outlets). There is a fairly large Somerfield store on the edge of the town centre; and
a large format retail park immediately outwith the centre (including Homebase,
Halfords and Argos). This mix of retail will be attractive to customers.
Access in and around Lanark is good with public transport (bus and rail) and free
public parking available. The town has an up to date website displaying a number of
local events and activities; and also has a community Facebook page.
Whilst Lanark does not provide a complete range of retail, service and leisure, it is
likely to draw a significant level of custom from residents of Lesmahagow. This is
confirmed from the resident survey – 39% of respondents visit regularly, 58%
occasionally, and only 3% never.
2.4 Strathaven
Situated to the west of Lesmahagow (9 miles, c. 20 minutes) Strathaven has a
population of 11,0324. It is a traditional picturesque market town maintained to a
high standard, with around 50 retail/service outlets offering a variety of convenience/
comparison, leisure and services.
There is a large sense of community, with an up to date website providing general
information on the town, as well as 26 annual events which are organised by a
number of different community groups.
3 Source: SLC Nip & Tuc 4 Source: SLC Nip & Tuc
Lesmahagow Comparator Centre: South Lanarkshire Council
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Retail largely comprises independent stores with a number of smaller nationals
including Greggs and RS McColl; and some larger operators Boots, Spar and
Somerfield.
Strathaven is likely to attract some custom from residents of Lesmahagow but this is
likely to be fairly small given the profile of the retail/service provision and the
proximity of other larger more attractive centres (Lanark, Hamilton and Glasgow).
Strathaven did not feature highly in the resident survey frequency of visits to other
centres.
2.5 Larkhall
Larkhall is located nine miles from Lesmahagow (c. 15 minutes) and has a
population of 17,0345.
The high street has a variety of retail and leisure units trading primarily at the lower
end of the market. The scale of public services and leisure provision mirrors the
larger population of the town. There are a number of vacant premises located
throughout the town, creating a slightly neglected atmosphere.
There are two outstanding planning consents for major superstore developments on
the edge of the town centre – Asda at Broomhill Road, and Tesco at Raploch Street.
Despite its proximity, Larkhall is unlikely to attract any significant custom from
residents of Lesmahagow – this is confirmed in the resident survey.
2.6 Carluke
Situated 15 miles to the north east of Lesmahagow, Carluke caters for a population
of just under 20,000 people6. Although some of the properties are slightly dated, the
town centre itself offers reasonable quality, semi pedestrianised, shopping
environment. The main shopping thoroughfare (High Street) is on a one way street
with restricted entry for vehicles and good quality public realm.
5 Source: SLC Nip & Tuc
6 Source: SLC Nip & Tuc
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The retail offer in the town centre comprises a mix of independent and national
operators, the latter typically smaller operators (Semi-Chem, Greggs, Lloyds
Pharmacy, Optical Express). The town has two major banks (and other financial
services operators), as well as a range of restaurants, cafes and fast food take away
outlets.
Carluke has one small foodstore in the centre (Scotmid); a medium foodstore on the
edge of the centre (Co-Op); and a large supermarket outwith the town centre
(Tesco).
The centre caters predominantly for local residents, and is unlikely to draw any
significant level of custom from residents outwith Carluke. Given the range and
quality of retail on offer (as well as the distance and travel route) it is unlikely that
Carluke competes to any extent with Lesmahagow.
The town has an active Development Trust which has developed a formal Action
Plan for future development and regeneration of the centre, including activities and
events.
2.7 Hamilton
Hamilton is the largest town in South Lanarkshire, 15 miles north of Lesmahagow (c.
20 minute drive). Hamilton is accessed directly from the M74 Motorway and
therefore an easy trip for local residents by both car and bus (Services X74 and
253). The town is well served by public transport, with bus and train stations, and
has both on-street (pay and display) and multi-storey car parking.
With a population of over 50,0007 people, the town offers an extensive mix of retail
(comparison and convenience), service and leisure provision with a high proportion
of high street chains, mixed with independent stores. The town centre has two
indoor shopping centres (Regent Centre and New Cross Centre) and on-street
shopping spread across one primary and other secondary streets.
7 Source: SLC Nip & Tuc
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The main shopping street is pedestrianised with vehicle access only available for
delivery and loading. Retailers on this street include major stores such as Primark,
Bairds Department Store, Specsavers, Semi Chem and JJB Sports, as well as
smaller format operators including Subway, Greggs and RS McColl. There are also
a number of independent stores offering a range of retail and services.
The Regent Shopping Centre (located behind the main shopping street) has over 40
stores with a typical mix of major high street operators including Marks & Spencer,
BHS, Clarks, New Look and Claire‟s Accessories, as well as cafes, banks and travel
agents. The centre has 750 car parking spaces and offers a Shopmobility service.
The New Cross Shopping Centre (located behind the main shopping street on the
opposite side from the Regent Centre) is smaller in total size and also in number of
units. It has 20 shop units with a mix of national and independent operators
including Argos, Optical Express, Brighthouse and Bonmarche.
The disposal and development of the Palace Grounds site around ten years ago has
created a new shopping centre on the edge of the town. Immediately adjacent to
centre is a major format Asda store, a 9 screen multiplex cinema, Boots and Next
stores, and a Frankie & Benny‟s restaurant. Opposite this is a large format retail
park with operators including Comet, Halfords, Homebase, Argos, Pets at Home,
McDonalds and KFC.
Hamilton is the primary shopping destination for residents of Lesmahagow, with 60%
of residents visiting often and 38% occasionally. Given the range of retail, leisure
and service facilities on offer, and its accessibility, this is unsurprising.
Lesmahagow Comparator Centre: South Lanarkshire Council
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3. Review of Good Practice Centres
This chapter presents a review of the three good practice locations – West Kilbride,
Huntly and Baxters Stores – identifying issues and lessons for Lesmahagow.
3.1 West Kilbride, Ayrshire
West Kilbride, once a thriving weaving town, is home to over 4,000 residents. The
town centre had fallen into a state of disrepair at the end of the 21st century with over
half of the 40 retail units empty.
Initially led by a small group of volunteers who started the „Craft Town Scotland‟
initiative, the village now has a very strong community with a number of separate
operational groups leading a variety of projects.
The major group, West Kilbride Community Initiative Ltd, was established in 1998
with the broad remit of addressing the empty shop units. It has since grown in both
scope and scale and now owns seven craft/artist studios (former shop units), a
gallery and was the lead organisation in the recently completed Barony Centre
project (£1.5m redevelopment of a vacant Category C listed former church to create
a Gallery, Cafe and Craft Exhibition Centre).
The village has won a number of national and local awards including DTI
Enterprising Britain (2006) and in January 2012 was nominated as one of three
places in Creative Scotland‟s Creative Place awards (small category). The village is
now a VisitScotland accredited Visitor Attraction, with a 3 star grading.
Other community-led regeneration projects include the restoration of the Kirktonhall
building (ongoing feasibility work), Caitlin/Marsh/Hunterston Brooch Gardens
(managed by the local environmental group), Village Hall and Museum (owned by
the Council, leased to the Initiative and run by a local Management Group).
The town centre now comprises a mix of retail uses (small independent stores)
alongside arts/crafts studios (located within former shop units). This mix of uses is
attractive to both local residents and visitors, and has helped to sustain the vibrancy
of the centre, with vacancy rates reducing from almost 50% in the late 1990s to only
one or two at present.
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The town attracts custom from local residents, but also attracts visitors from across
Scotland, the UK and further afield. It‟s designation as „Craft Town Scotland‟ has
been essential in this process, but this has been underpinned by high quality arts/
crafts units which are open to the public, a shared gallery space (managed by the
Initiative), and substantial community support over a period of almost 15 years.
www.crafttownscotland.org
3.2 Huntly, Aberdeenshire
Huntly is the key market town for the Marr area of Aberdeenshire, serving a
population of around 4,500 people across a 10-15mile radius.
The regeneration of the town centre has worked through a number of phases.
The town was unsuccessfully rebranded in the 1990s as „The Family Town‟. Many
family visitors expected to find an abundance of children‟s activities and play parks,
but were disappointed on arrival. The branding was also found to have deterred a
number of potential visitors without children.
Set against this context (and a previous community regeneration initiative which had
ceased trading), Huntly joined the Aberdeenshire Towns Partnership (ATP) in 2004
and developed a Town Strategy in 2005 following local business and community
consultation. Rather than focus solely on the town centre, the Strategy adopted a
„Whole Town‟ development approach, addressing the needs of businesses,
residents and visitors, and incorporating economic, social, environment, sport,
heritage and health elements.
ATP was disbanded in 2008 with a formalised exit strategy that supported the
continuation of a strategic focus for member towns. The Huntly Development Trust
(HDT) was formally incorporated in 2009 (as an independent company limited by
guarantee) with a Board of Directors and secured both revenue and project funding
from sources including Aberdeenshire Council and the EU (LEADER). This funding
allowed the Town Co-ordinator post to continue (now HDT Development Manager),
maintaining momentum and focus on project design and delivery. It has, however,
necessitated an additional focus on income generation to sustain HDT.
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HDT is the lead organisation for Huntly, with strong links with local community,
voluntary, public and commercial organisations. The Trust has, and continues to,
drive a range of projects for the town (guided by its town strategy), including the
development of a high quality online presence (www.huntly.net/), a local retailer
loyalty card scheme, development of a new brand „Room to Roam‟, shopfront and
public realm enhancements.
In line with its „whole town approach‟ HDT has developed strong connections with
other local groups and organisations including Deveron Arts, Tourism Action Group,
Community Kitchen and the local newspaper.
www.huntly.net/
3.3 Baxters Retail Outlets, Scotland
Founded in 1868 with a single shop in Fochabers, Baxters opened its first factory in
1916 and gained Royal recognition (By Royal Appointment) in 1955. In the 1960s
the company developed it „Best of Scotland‟ concept which included speciality foods,
gift packs and tabletop accessories and began exporting to stores across Europe,
America, South Africa, Japan and Australia.
Baxters now has operational bases throughout the UK and food manufacturing
operations in Canada, Australia and Poland.
Throughout its almost 150 years the company has continually changed its products,
marketing, branding and sales techniques to meet changing consumer demands, but
has retained its strong family brand image.
Over recent years the company has opened four Baxters branded retail outlets, all of
which sell Baxters food products, other selected food and drink products, cookware,
clothing, accessories and gifts, with cafe and restaurant facilities:
Blackford, Perthshire – situated just off the A8 on the road into Blackford,
this store is situated on the site of the old Tullibardine whisky distillery in the
Eaglesgate Retail Village. Other retail outlets include Tiso, and the site is
also home to the Tullibardine Distiller and Visitor Centre which offers whisky
tasting tours;
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Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh – situated within the shopping mall at Leith, the
Baxters store is one of 70 retail outlets;
Dunsdalehaugh, Selkirk – situated on a B class road, but signed from the
A7; and
Highland Village, Fochabers, Morayshire – located on a prominent site on
the A96 between Aberdeen and Inverness on the site of the original shop
and food manufacturing operation.
With the exception of the Ocean Terminal store, the other three stores are located in
out of town retail villages with free car/coach parking that attracts a high level of
passing tourists and day visitors. All outlets are open five days a week, typically 10-
5, with the Ocean Terminal store working shopping centre hours (late opening
Thursday/Friday).
Given the absence of a Baxters branded store in the Scottish central belt and the
accessibility of Lesmahagow to the M74 Motorway, there may be an opportunity to
approach Baxters if an appropriate site can be found. Any approach would be best
received if it forms part of a co-ordinated plan for the regeneration of the village, and
also if it is linked to a wider food/beverage cluster of activity.
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Appendix 1: Lesmahagow
Overview
Population Immediate village circa 4,000
Village and surrounding area circa 8,000
Retail Provision Convenience stores (2)
Hairdressers (2)
Barbers (2)
Hardware store
Chemist
Florist/Gift Shop
Veterinary Surgery
Dog Grooming
Petrol station
Tesco (with a petrol station) on the outskirts of the village
Leisure Provision
Pubs (2)
Cafes (2)
Takeaways (4)
Public Services Police station
Library
SLC Resource Centre
Primary school
Secondary school
GP
Co-op Funeral Care
Bank (2)
Open Space Area behind the Fountain
Children‟s play park
Events and Activities
Gala Day
Open Doors (Christmas Night)
Highland Games
Access and Parking
Bus service in and around Lesmahagow
Parking on the main street, beside the Fountain and at the new Landykside Centre
Pros Cons
Lesmahagow is a compact village centre offering a broad range of services to local residents
Accessible location from the M74 Motorway, therefore high volume of traffic passing nearby
The village centre is in need of regeneration
Limited evening offer – no family dining
Separate community groups – cohesion?
Number of Lesmahagow branded websites – cohesion and current (see Huntly)
Lesmahagow Comparator Centre: South Lanarkshire Council
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Appendix 2: Kirkmuirhill
Overview
Population 3,700 (combined with Blackwood)
Retail Provision One street with retail convenience stores
Petrol station located on main road to Blackwood
Building: single storey medium to low spec retail
Leisure Provision
Takeaways (3)
Pub
Leisure Dome
Church
Public Services None
Open Space Limited
Events and Activities
No info
Access and Parking
Bus service
Parking to the rear of the retail parade
Pros Cons
Local bus service into town centre
Near major road network (M74)
There is no “village centre”, just one row of lower level retail units
Lack of signage to the retail provision, only local residents would use the retail for convenience products, would have to commute to a larger village or town for main shopping
There is no community website, unsure of events/activities within the village
Lesmahagow Comparator Centre: South Lanarkshire Council
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Appendix 3: Blackwood
Overview
Population 3,700 (Combined with Kirkmuirhill)
Retail Provision No main/high street
One local convenience store
Leisure Provision
Southfield Inn (Hotel)
Bowling club
Public Services Primary schools (2)
Medical practice
Care home
Open Space Play park and open space
Events and Activities
No info
Access and Parking
Bus service
Pros Cons
Local bus service into town centre
Near major road network (M74)
There is no “village centre”
There is no community website, unsure of events/activities within the village
Residents would have to commute to a larger village/town for main shopping
Lesmahagow Comparator Centre: South Lanarkshire Council
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Appendix 4: Coalburn
Overview
Population 1,200
Retail Provision No main/high street
One convenience store
Pharmacy
Vacant premises (2+)
Leisure Provision
Takeaway
Bowling club
Leisure complex (pool and health suite)
Public Services Primary school
Medical practice
Open Space Play park and open space
Events and Activities
Gala day
Access and Parking
Bus service
Pros Cons
Leisure complex There is no “village centre” or main street
There is no community website, unsure of events/activities within the village
Residents would have to commute to a larger village/town for main shopping
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Appendix 5: Lanark
Overview
Population 10,400
Retail Provision Mix of high street retail (comparison/convenience) and services
A large Tesco and Morrison‟s both located within the town
Building: two storey – retail/service ground with housing offices above
Typical high street atmosphere
Vacant premise (3+)
Leisure Provision
Restaurants (9); Tearooms/coffee shops (5); Takeaways (9)
Pubs (8); Nightclub
Golf club; Bowling club; Tennis club
Racecourse
Lanark Lifestyles
Lanark Agricultural Centre
Public Services Police station; Fire station; Sheriff Court
Lockhart Hospital
Primary schools (6); Secondary school
Library
Recycling centre
Larkhall Area Office – South Lanarkshire Council
Churches (5)
Doctor surgery; Dentist surgeries (4)
Open Space Castle Bank Park
Delves Park
Events and Activities
Lanark Museum and the Royal Burgh of Lanark Trust
Lanark Loch
Numerous events/activities advertised on the local website e.g. car boot sale, Festive Detox, Haggis Autojumble
Access and Parking
Bus service; Train station
Public parking – free but can be difficult to find parking as spread around the shopping centre
Pros Cons
Up-to-date community website with a wide range of information
Well maintained town centre, road and pavements on main street/high street
Good transport links in and around the town with access to buses, trains
Tesco/Morrisons located in the town centre
Numerous activities/events held across year
The further away from the main street the more “rundown” the town feels
Not on major road network
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Appendix 6: Strathaven
Overview
Population 11,000
Retail Provision Around 50 shops encompassing convenience, comparison and services, including beauty and luxury products
Buildings: two levels, retail/service ground with housing/offices above
Vacant: 2
One building in the process of being refurbished
Leisure Provision
Restaurants (15)
Tearooms/coffee shops (5)
Pubs (7)
Public Services Police station
Cemetery
Primary school
Secondary school
Library
Open Space Village green with stream running through village centre
Events and Activities
Numerous events throughout the year, 24 events confirmed for 2012 (January 2012)
Access and Parking
Local bus service; and
Public parking – free
Pros Cons
Up-to-date website, concise with good information about the town and events/ activities
Very community orientated – numerous community groups
Picturesque town, well maintained, tidy streets
Strong evening economy offer
Not on major road/rail networks
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Appendix 7: Larkhall
Overview
Population 17,000
Retail Provision Mix of high street retail (convenience/comparison) and service
Buildings: ⅓ single storey retail/service; ⅔ retail/service ground, housing upper
Vacant premise (10+)
Leisure Provision
Restaurants (5)
Tearooms/coffee shops (7)
Pubs (9)
Larkhall Leisure Complex
Larkhall Golf Course
Public Services Police station
Primary schools (3)
Library
Recycling centre
Larkhall Area Office – South Lanarkshire Council
Churches (4)
Open Space Children‟s play park and open area
Events and Activities
No info
Access and Parking
Bus service
Train station
Park and ride (2)
Public parking
Pros Cons
Most shops are located on the main high street, with reasonable pavements
Transport in and around town is adequate with access to parking, bus services, train station and two park and ride areas
Major road and rail network connections
There is no Larkhall community website, difficult to find out information regarding events and activities within the area
There are a number of premises for let/ sale/empty, which gives a slightly negative atmosphere to the town centre/high street
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Appendix 8: Carluke
Overview
Population 19,900
Retail Provision One way traffic (town centre), semi pedestrianised, good mix of retail
Building: two storey – retail ground; housing/offices above
Leisure Provision
Restaurants/tearooms/coffee shops (12)
Pubs (8)
Takeaways (11)
Bowling club
Golf club
Public Services Fire station
Banks (2)
Roadmeetings Hospital
Carluke Housing Service – South Lanarkshire Council
Carluke Welfare Hall
Primary schools (6)
Secondary school
GP
Open Space Good quality street furniture, includes benches
Formal garden on edge of town centre
Events and Activities
Gala day
Access and Parking
Bus service
Train station
Park and ride
Pros Cons
Community website, adequate information
Good transport links
Semi pedestrianised main street with single one way route for traffic
Pavements are well maintained
Shop frontages in the main street and surrounding area could be improved
Shops focused on the lower end of the market
Not on major road network
Lesmahagow Comparator Centre: South Lanarkshire Council
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Appendix 9: Hamilton
Overview
Population 51,300
Retail Provision Large town centre with two large shopping centres, one offering high street shops, the other catering for smaller/independent/lower quality
Palace Grounds Retail Park
Pedestrianised high street connecting the two centres
Numerous retail outlets vacant (10+) on the main high street
Leisure Provision
Restaurants (20+)
Pubs (10+)
Cafes (10+)
Takeaways (10+)
Public Services Fire station
Police station
Udston Hospital
Primary schools (9)
Secondary school
University of the West of Scotland(1)
Leisure centre (2)
GP
Hamilton Townhouse
Job Centre
Sheriff Court
South Lanarkshire Council Office Headquarters
Open Space Bent Recreation Ground
Laigh Bent Recreation Ground
Events and Activities
Cinema
Access and Parking
Bus station
Train station
Parking easily available within the centre
Taxi rank
Pros Cons
Large mix of retail and leisure facilities
Good transport links in/around the town
Good variety/quality of evening entertainment
On major road/rail networks
No town website, Hamilton Trust website is restrictive as users need to create a login
Lesmahagow Comparator Centre: South Lanarkshire Council
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Appendix 10: West Kilbride, Ayrshire
Overview
Population 4,400 (including Seamill/Portencross)
Retail Provision Retail split along the length of Main Street
Retail – includes convenience and comparison (books, clothing)
Beauty/hairdressers
Small Co-op store in the centre of the village
High proportion of craft and artist studios
Leisure Provision Golf club
Bowling club
Tennis courts/Football pitches
Play area
Pubs (3)
Restaurants/take aways
Public Services Library
Village Hall
West Kilbride Institute, Museum and Public Hall
Churches (3)
Bank
Nursery
Primary School
Open Space No formal open space in the centre of village
Events and Activities
Yuletide Night (Christmas late night shopping event)
Scarecrow Festival
Craft Fair
Access and Parking
Free on-street parking and formal car parks
Train station
Bus service (Greenock + Ayr)
Pros Cons
West Kilbride Community Initiative Ltd – Craft Town Scotland (owns 7 TC units, leased to arts/crafts)
Limited vacant retail units
New arts/craft centre under construction
Substantial community activity
Winner of Creative Place Award 2012
Not on major road network
Prominent vacant building (Kirktonhall House)
Some vacant shops and derelict sites/ properties
Lesmahagow Comparator Centre: South Lanarkshire Council
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Appendix 11: Huntly, Aberdeenshire
Overview
Population 4,400
Retail Provision Market town for the area, so range of retail (comparison/ convenience) and service
Large Tesco store outwith the town centre, also Somerfield and Scottish Co-Op
Primarily independent retailers
Leisure Provision Hotels (2)
Pubs
Restaurants/Cafes/Take-aways
Golf club
Equestrian Centre
Library
Swimming Pool
Public Services Banff & Buchan College
Banks (4)
Churches
Nursery
Primary
Dental centre
Medical centre
Jubilee Hospital and Health Centre
Open Space Public square in centre and good quality pavement/street finishes
Events and Activities
Wide range of activities and events including arts, culture, sports, retail, community – all advertised on town‟s website
Access and Parking
Local bus routes
Rail station (0.5m from town centre) – not full pavement coverage
On-street parking (pay and display)
Pros Cons
Single website for town www.huntly.net links to community groups, Community Council, Huntly Development Trust and Business Association
Development Trust has lead role in project activity (paid officer) with an agree project list
Winner of Creative Place Award 2012
Significant investment in public realm
Bespoke Huntly Loyalty Card scheme covers all participating retail businesses (11)
Not on major road network
Rail station located 0.5m from town centre
Retail spread across town centre mixed with other uses
Lesmahagow Comparator Centre: South Lanarkshire Council
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Appendix 12: Baxters Stores, Scotland
Overview
Population Not applicable
Retail Provision Four branded „Baxters‟ stores, selling own foodstuffs and other products (primarily food/drink, but also gifts, clothes and cookware)
http://www.baxters.com/about-baxters/our-stores/
Blackford, Perthshire (off A9)
Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh
Dunesdale Haugh, Selkirk (off A7)
Highland Village, Fochabers, Elgin (immediately off A96)
Leisure Provision
Includes cafe/restaurant
Public Services Not applicable
Open Space Not applicable
Events and Activities
Website for each store includes details of forthcoming events
Access and Parking
Free on-site parking
Fochabers store has prominent location on major „A class‟ road; Blackford/Selkirk stores signed from major „A class‟ road (c. 2 minute drive); Edinburgh store within Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre
Pros Cons
All stores in prominent and highly accessible location, good signage
Sell Baxters food product range, also carry other selected food/drink/clothing/ cookware products
All stores have cafe/restaurant
Free on-site parking for cars and buses
Not in direct town centre locations
No/limited rail connections