The Lockwood Survey 2002.     Click to return to 2002 Survey.

Executive Summary:

Key points with selected extracts.......

1.   Despite more bouyant trading conditions, very high levels of stores were affected by declining takings in certain parts of the UK.
Trading performance within many centres is 'polarised' i.e. many businesses are performing strongly but also a significant proportion of stores have declining takings.  If a recession in consumer spending occurs ............. retailer and investment confidence could be undermined.

2.   Comparison of the impact of Bluewater on Thurrock Lakeside and other centres nearby, indicates that carcentrics cause fundamental shifts in consumer spending ............... .

3.   Profiles of store performance for selected centres in Scotland and the North West show how the combination of retail investment in major cities and carcentrics has had a dramatic impact on many town centres in their vicinity.  Well supported town centre management programmes are needed to attract consumers and increase levels of spending in order to safeguard the future of many town centres.

4.   Findings of the parking survey:

Major District Centres: .............Poor store performance is linked with low levels of parking, reliance on car parks more than 5 minutes walk from prime shopping streets and high charges (the report gives indicative levels). 

Sub Regional Centres: .............Poor store performance is linked with reliance on car parks more than 5 minutes walk from prime shopping streets and high charges (the report gives indicative levels).

Regional Centres: .............Poor store performance is linked with high charges for 3 and 4 hour stays (the report gives indicative levels).

5.   Using parking & store performance data.

Examples show how the parking data in Part 2 of the report can be used to identify issues which could be discouraging consumers from using certain centre. Information is presented on the total amount of parking provided for shoppers, the % that is convenient, the % that is pay & display controlled, parking security & the price range for 1, 3 & 4 hour stays.

6.   Parking data tables:  Centres have been given a star rating to facilitate comparison and the data on which the score is based is presented so that actual figures can be compared.

7.   Performance appraisal of  270 centres.  Graphs show a "snapshot" of the strengths, weaknesses and trading performance of individual centres which allows comparisons to be made with neighbours and competitors.  Information presented includes parking charges (where available), factors affecting trade and new retail and parking development planned.

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