Reimagining town centres

The time has come to rethink what services town centres provide; and Cornwall should be at the forefront of reimagining this. The 21st century is Cornwall’s time to shine and our towns are a vital element of our communities, our economy and our appeal to visitors.
Retail will be an important element. We need a fundamental reformulation of how business rates are calculated and levied to allow local business to thrive and showrooms, depots and collection points of online stores to emerge. Shop owners themselves must be trained to create theatre and intrigue around their offering. Charity shops must meet certain standards of décor and stock.

Health services will be key. We need to make sure our town centres are community hubs, accessible to all so that doctors, dentists, alternative health providers and surrounding support services can flourish.

Other services like nail bars, hairdressers, yoga and exercise studios, nurseries, elderly day centres, solicitors, accountants, financial advisers must be retained/attracted with appropriate rent and rate regimes.

Restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars will continue to be crucial. Owners must know how to create local, vernacular menus and need training around business skills and R&D tax credits.

Businesses traditionally encouraged into out-of-town rural workshops like makers, creators, artists, jewellers, designers, bakeries should be encouraged into towns. Towns like Falmouth and St Ives are fiercely independent and set a good example of how the modern town should look, supporting local talent and larger companies in the same streets.
And most of all, a complete rethink on the people living in towns is needed. There is something wrong with 1985 Landlord & Tenant Act which needs adjusting so that landlords are encouraged to create first-time and affordable homes on first and second floors of town premises to revitalise towns and make sure they are still inhabited. This will enhance and uplift the restaurants and bars' trade of an evening and contribute to vibrant town centres.