Taking up the challenge
BUILT ENVIRONMENT of its total retail – and commuter towns such as Hemel Hempstead and Bracknell have also been hit hard , and consequently , head the list of those whose residents are expected to continue to work at home after COVID ( 27.4 %).
“ Almost all companies will maintain physical space , but it will be there for three main purposes : collaboration , creativity and culture , and there will be less space devoted to standard desk space for tasks that could be done remotely ,” said Andy Pyle , Head of Real Estate , KPMG in the UK .
The fall in retail property values is already underway . By attracting new tenants for prime commercial property that will now find the rent affordable , town and city centres may be able to serve their inhabitants differently , such as :
Taking up the challenge
Scoop
has appointed POD Architects to start the reconfiguration of The Thistles Shopping Centre in Stirling - a 500,000sq ft space housing 90 units . Most , if not all , of the anchor tenants , now have a strong online presence , but the centre remains at the heart of the community . centres , in particular , have changed in recent years as more people seek superior retail experiences to draw them out of their homes . " We aim to produce creative and exciting destinations which draw people in . We look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with Scoop ," he said .
Mark Hewett , Director at Scoop , said the high-street is expected to take on a very different form post-Covid . " Future-proofing is vital to ensure primary shopping centres remain relevant and a place where people want to be – they will be about far more than just shopping . We are looking forward to evolving The Thistles Shopping Centre to ensure it remains the beating heart of the city ."
Paul Shedden , Founder of POD Architects , said requirements for retail , and shopping
In line with reducing car emissions and encouraging cycle use and walking , towns are looking at how they can make themselves more connected to communities .
The Ipswich Vision Partnership – which includes local councils , the town ' s MP and business groups – has unveiled bold plans to create a " connected centre ", using some of the £ 25million Towns Fund cash promised at this year ' s Budget . A £ 3.2 million bid to upgrade Dover ' s town centre has been successful .
74 June 2021