Newcastle's city centre shops could open longer

Mar 17 2010 by Chris Knox, The Journal

SHOPS in Newcastle city centre could stay open later six nights a week in a new scheme designed to bring fresh life to beleaguered retailers.

The plans are being put together by business improvement district (BID) company Newcastle NE1, which said there was “enthusiasm” among shop owners and managers to work together to extend hours of many stores by as early as October.

Although agreement has yet to be reach amongst the city’s major retailers, the initiative could see stores stay open between Monday and Saturday to 7pm or 8pm.

NE1 is looking to begin talks with the region’s public transport operators to increase evening bus and train services into town during the extended openings, and is hoping to reach an agreement with Newcastle City Council over revised parking arrangements.

The initiative is being headed up by managing director of the John Lewis store in Newcastle Barry Blamire and NE1 chief executive Sean Bullick and would follow other major cities like London and Manchester, which have provided extended late-night shopping for years.

Mr Blamire said: “There is a lot of discussions to be had in order for us to get the offer right, from how late shops will be open, to the possibility of reduced parking rates for motorists.

“I believe extended hours will create a safer atmosphere in the city centre as the night time economy only really kicks off between 7:30pm and 8pm.

“Also, there could also be a number of job opportunities if retailers struggle to cover the extra hours with their current staff.”

Although Mr Bullick said that although shops could not be forced to stay open that he wanted to encourage them to work together to improve the retail offer in the city.

He said: “Most of the retailers we have spoken to are enthusiastic about the proposals. However, there has been no solid agreement as there are a number of issues still to be addressed. We are working to a start date of October and hope to build up momentum in the run-up to Christmas.”

The extended openings are a key element of NE1’s plans for this year, which also include the opening of a number of small green spaces in the town, known as ‘pocket parks’, as well as the roll-out of eye-catching signage.

Newcastle NE1, which was voted in by city centre traders last year and is funded by them, has already introduced a number of measures to improve the area, including a team of street cleaners and a TV advertising campaign.