Dransfield team invited to give evidence at House of Lords focussed on the UK’s high streets

Dransfield team invited to give evidence at House of Lords focussed on the UK’s high streets

20 May 2024

The leading South Yorkshire property company Dransfield Properties Ltd was invited to the House of Lords this month to give evidence at a select committee inquiry into “High Streets in Towns and Small Cities.”

The company was selected to share its expertise and experience based on its track record in delivering award winning developments including Marshall’s Yard in Gainsborough, Fox Valley in north Sheffield and Sanderson Arcade in Morpeth.

Company Chairman Mark Dransfield along with Retail Property Director Andrew Malley shared their four decades of experience.  The session was held at the House of Lords and Chaired by Lord Moylan. It explored issues including landlord engagement and business rates as well as the role of public funding in delivering sustainable town centre projects.  

The inquiry is headed by the cross party Built Environment Committee and seeks to understand how the country’s high streets can be regenerated and become more resilient and attractive. Members are focused on the Government’s vision and support for high streets and exploring whether it is fit for purpose and if local authorities have the right tools to help town centres to thrive.

The Dransfield team outlined the need to address a level playing field in the business rates system across bricks and mortar retail and online shopping, as well as support through planning regulations to put town centres first.

Creating attractive environments and delivering the right tenant mix was also discussed as well as an acknowledgement that some centres have declined to such an extent that other uses should be considered.

Mark Dransfield outlined the key elements that the company looks for, before considering investing in a town centre opportunity – including good transport links, a lack of substantial competing out of town retail centres and access to parking.  He focussed on the need for local authorities to have the right people in place to aid the economic regeneration of our towns and cities.

Mark said: “As one of the leading developers of town centres in the country it’s a privilege   to be recognised for the work we have undertaken and the prosperity we have delivered in the towns we’ve worked in.

“There are some great examples of well planned and thriving town centres but they can only be achieved by strong partnerships, support from the local authority and a clear vision. A review of business rates is also urgently needed.

“We hope that sharing our own insight and experiences with the House of Lords Select Committee will be of assistance and that this review will result in a focus on real change around how we think about our town centres. High Streets are constantly evolving and changing and it’s really important we get this right to ensure they continue to be the heartbeat of our communities.”

Committee members spent an hour questioning the Dransfield team and their expert evidence will be part of the committee’s findings which are due to be published later in the year.

To find out more about Dransfield Properties visit www.dransfield.co.uk

ENDS 

Photographs show: The Select Committee and Andrew Malley and Mark Dransfield ahead of the Select Committee at the House of Lords. 

For further information, contact:

Public Relations Department, Dransfield Properties Ltd
Tel: 01226 360644
Email: pr@dransfield.co.uk