Comment

Representation ID: 19750

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Land Securities plc

Agent: CgMs Consulting

The strategy direction for Bexhill town centre is "to strengthen the identity of Bexhill and for it to become one of the most attractive places to live on the south coast, attractive to families, the young and elderly alike, within an integrated approach to securing a more prosperous future for the Bexhill and Hastings area". In particular, the Council recognises that Bexhill has suffered in recent years from competition from other centres and, as a consequence, has a relatively weak commercial market.

Comments:
Land Securities is firmly committed to economic investment in Bexhill. Notwithstanding the current economic climate, Land Securities continues to receive interest from various retailers who wish to be located in Bexhill. The improved retail provision in the Bexhill area is crucial given the neighbouring centres are all expanding. Ravenside Retail Park can provide large retail units which are very limited in the town centre. The town centre's growth could be focused in providing small to medium sized retail units which are more in keeping with the Conservation Area status of the town.