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Leyland bidding to become Portas Pilot town

Leyland is bidding to become a Portas Pilot town under a nationwide scheme set up by retail guru Mary Portas and the government to give high streets a new lease of life.

If the bid by South Ribble Borough Council is successful, Leyland will be able to tap into a special government fund to help build on the regeneration work already carried out in the town.

Communities are being invited to take part in a competition to become one of a dozen so-called Portas Pilot towns, named after Mary "Queen of Shops" Portas. She is advising the government on how high streets can fight back against increasing competition from internet shopping and out-of-town retail centres. The 12 winning towns will share a special £1 million fund to help them flourish in the future, as well as support from Mary Portas.

South Ribble Borough Council has been working with local shops and businesses to help regenerate the high street, in line with Portas' recommendations to government. Initiatives have so far ranged from expanding Leyland market and increasing footfall through a series of town festivals, to providing free car parking spaces all year round.

It is hoped a successful Portas Pilot town bid will be a springboard for a further phase of improvements in Leyland, including:

• A new central 'square' and public space in Hough Lane, Leyland
• More town centre events to attract visitors and bring increased footfall to Leyland.
• An expanded outdoor market, with more stalls on the high street.

A special town team, comprising key players from the local community, has been formed to spearhead the Leylandbid and draw up full details of the application, which will be submitted to government before the 30 March deadline.

Businesses, community groups and residents can find out more about the Portas Pilot bid at a special drop-in session being held at the United Reformed Church on Hough Lane, Leyland, on Tuesday 27 March, from 12noon to 8pm. Representatives from the town team will be on hand to explain our vision for the town and encourage people to show their support.

Councillor Phil Smith, South Ribble Borough Council's cabinet member for regeneration, leisure and healthy communities, said: "We've already taken on board many of the recommendations in the Mary Portas' High Street Review, in Leyland. The outdoor market is growing and the indoor market is the only one in Lancashirewith a 100% occupancy rate. There has been over £250,000 of investment in the regeneration of Hough Lane, including the famous North Works gates and the bronze sculpture of a Leyland Motors worker.

"Our residents seem to appreciate the changes we've made, judging by the results of our latest town centre users survey. It's especially pleasing to see that generally people think the high street is clean and tidy, car parking offers good value and the town approaches are appealing. The survey also suggests more could be done to improve the appearance of the town centre, and this is one of the areas we will be looking to address.

"I know competition will be fierce but if our bid is successful, I believe we can secure some real and lasting improvements and create a real buzz around Leyland."

More details about our exciting plans for Leylandwill be released after the Portas Pilot bid has been finalised.

Last updated: 19 September 2012

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