Analysis: Parlous state of our shops is a chance to reimagine Scotland’s town centres

Initiatives ranging from the creation of “Super-Bids” (more powerful Business Improvement Districts to take on responsibilities for form, function and the operation of town centres) to the stripping back of burdensome bureaucracy (eg making it easier for market stalls, pop-up shops and other flexible business models) are all, of course most welcome but not new to Scotland.

Neither is the notion that we should have “Town Teams” to drive forward policy aims to create a better operating environment for independent traders and the national multiples alike. In Scotland, given the huge political priority that all the main parties have put on the importance of place, many local authorities are already acting upon this, and other recommendations in Portas’ Report. Take for example North Ayrshire Council and its work, in conjunction with the local Urban Regeneration Company, in developing a range of policy ideas to make Irvine work better for all of its population. Anchoring its efforts around four large-scale regeneration projects costing some £25 million, this energetic programme is also looking at reimagining the spaces and places that have fallen into disuse and disrepair. With a renewed focus on accessibility and movement, this locally-led review is also tackling a number of the other issues raised in Portas’ recommendations.

And it’s not just in this former New Town where the parlous state of the retail sector is being seen as an opportunity to reshape the role and function of a town centre, driving a wide range of other attractive uses into what remain the beating hearts of many Scottish communities. Some are on life support already, but strident, imaginative local action of the type proposed by Portas can indeed save the day – and the evening economy too.

Other initiatives, such as rates relief for SME’s, or the establishment of a national market day, also contribute to this greater collective effort to regenerate, reimagine and re-use Scotland’s town centres.

If, however, we are serious about this task, then we need the political courage to identify an imaginative follow-up to the Town Centre Regeneration Fund, but this time it needs a sustainable revenue tail, delivered through decentralising power and responsibility to the high street level. In the run-up to the local government elections next May, which party will buy that particular policy product?

• Ross Martin is policy director at the Centre for Scottish Public Policy.