Lesmahagow Town Centres Comparator Review

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

1

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.


2

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


3

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


4

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



5

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.



6

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.


7

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.


8

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.

http://www.crafttownscotland.org/


9

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;

http://www.huntly.net/



10

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.


11

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)


12

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


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


13

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


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”


Residents would have to commute to a larger village/town for main shopping


14

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


Gala day

Access and Parking

Bus service

Pros Cons

Leisure complex There is no “village centre” or main street


Residents would have to commute to a larger village/town for main shopping


15

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


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


16

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)


Cemetery

Primary school

Secondary school

Library

Open Space Village green with stream running through village centre


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


17

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


Primary schools (3)

Library

Recycling centre

Larkhall Area Office – South Lanarkshire Council

Churches (4)

Open Space Children‟s play park and open area


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


18

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


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



19

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


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


20

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


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


Prominent vacant building (Kirktonhall House)

Some vacant shops and derelict sites/ properties


21

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


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)


Rail station located 0.5m from town centre

Retail spread across town centre mixed with other uses



22

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


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

http://www.baxters.com/about-baxters/our-stores/

Lesmahagow Town Centres Comparator Review

Documents

miles distance blackwood

review of local centres

blackwood kirkmuirhill

miles distance hamilton

miles distance carluke

miles distance larkhall

miles distance strathaven

miles distance lanark