I am taking a keen interest in the difficulties currently facing retail shops on West End Lane (writes Gillian), and I am concerned that four have closed in the past few months with the possibility of another two closing shortly. Jubilee Line closures at weekends and the road works are seriously affecting business and I raised this as an issue in my “maiden speech” at the full Council meeting on 28th June.
I am aware that the closure of independent retails hops on West End Lane has been raised as an issue of concern by residents for many years so I am aware that I am not highlighting anything new, but would like to see what might be done now.
As the new Councillor for West Hampstead, I’ve made an effort to talk with many of the businesses in West End Lane, and this has confirmed that high rents and business rates as well as the recession are particularly burdensome for independent shops. This has led to the arrival of big national chain stores, such as Nandos and recently Tescos - which until recently were pretty much absent in West Hampstead - that can afford the high rents and rates. I am also concerned about retail premises being taken over as offices, which reduces retail opportunities even further.
At the WHAT public meeting on 7th July several long term residents lamented the demise of traditional food shops such as butchers, fishmongers, greengrocers in the road, It has long been recognized that these have been replaced not only by the national chains but also by businesses that only need to invest in stock that has a short shelf life in order to pay the high rents, such as convenience stores, cafes and restaurants, takeaway outlets or charity shops or services with no stock at all such as dry cleaners, estate agents and hairdressers. In my view, this means that WEL currently offers little of interest or variety to buy beyond the basics of life and convenience. Perhaps this is all that West Hampstead residents want. Tesco – despite complaints about the traffic problems it causes with its deliveries – is proving very popular although harming other businesses.
Personally, I find this trend rather depressing. A lively and interesting “high street” not only provides a focus to the area where locals of all ages come and meet to support the businesses, but also attracts visitors as a destination to come to shop too. A healthy local economy provides employment and benefits all residents. Whilst the cafes, bars and restaurants on WEL contribute to this, the variety of choice in shops to meet local needs seems to be limited. I do not buy the argument that people nowadays prefer to shop online or visit big shopping centres such as Brent Cross, Oxford Street or Westfield. Many people still want to shop locally and get personal service or visit areas with interesting offerings. The independent shops we have selling books, flowers, pottery, clothes and gifts and much loved and make West Hampstead special. It is encouraging that the two new arrivals, Blue Daisy and The Kitchener, and the new delis, Love Food and Gustoso, demonstrate that West Hampstead is still an attractive place to do business and we need more like them.
I am encouraged by my fellow LibDem Councillor Linda Chung in Hampstead Town ward who has been working with and supporting traders there.
I have yet to get to the bottom of why the retail offering in West Hampstead has not kept pace with other areas in London with similar demographic profiles where shops are thriving, despite the recession. So far my research enquiries have focussed on traders, estate agents and Council Officers, but I would also like to get the views of residents. In particular, it would be useful to know what types of shops they would like to have in the area that they would be willing to support. Please send any thoughts to me at gillian.risso-gill@camden.gov.uk (or comment to this blog).
I am aware that the closure of independent retails hops on West End Lane has been raised as an issue of concern by residents for many years so I am aware that I am not highlighting anything new, but would like to see what might be done now.
As the new Councillor for West Hampstead, I’ve made an effort to talk with many of the businesses in West End Lane, and this has confirmed that high rents and business rates as well as the recession are particularly burdensome for independent shops. This has led to the arrival of big national chain stores, such as Nandos and recently Tescos - which until recently were pretty much absent in West Hampstead - that can afford the high rents and rates. I am also concerned about retail premises being taken over as offices, which reduces retail opportunities even further.
At the WHAT public meeting on 7th July several long term residents lamented the demise of traditional food shops such as butchers, fishmongers, greengrocers in the road, It has long been recognized that these have been replaced not only by the national chains but also by businesses that only need to invest in stock that has a short shelf life in order to pay the high rents, such as convenience stores, cafes and restaurants, takeaway outlets or charity shops or services with no stock at all such as dry cleaners, estate agents and hairdressers. In my view, this means that WEL currently offers little of interest or variety to buy beyond the basics of life and convenience. Perhaps this is all that West Hampstead residents want. Tesco – despite complaints about the traffic problems it causes with its deliveries – is proving very popular although harming other businesses.
Personally, I find this trend rather depressing. A lively and interesting “high street” not only provides a focus to the area where locals of all ages come and meet to support the businesses, but also attracts visitors as a destination to come to shop too. A healthy local economy provides employment and benefits all residents. Whilst the cafes, bars and restaurants on WEL contribute to this, the variety of choice in shops to meet local needs seems to be limited. I do not buy the argument that people nowadays prefer to shop online or visit big shopping centres such as Brent Cross, Oxford Street or Westfield. Many people still want to shop locally and get personal service or visit areas with interesting offerings. The independent shops we have selling books, flowers, pottery, clothes and gifts and much loved and make West Hampstead special. It is encouraging that the two new arrivals, Blue Daisy and The Kitchener, and the new delis, Love Food and Gustoso, demonstrate that West Hampstead is still an attractive place to do business and we need more like them.
I am encouraged by my fellow LibDem Councillor Linda Chung in Hampstead Town ward who has been working with and supporting traders there.
I have yet to get to the bottom of why the retail offering in West Hampstead has not kept pace with other areas in London with similar demographic profiles where shops are thriving, despite the recession. So far my research enquiries have focussed on traders, estate agents and Council Officers, but I would also like to get the views of residents. In particular, it would be useful to know what types of shops they would like to have in the area that they would be willing to support. Please send any thoughts to me at gillian.risso-gill@camden.gov.uk (or comment to this blog).
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