Introduction
The challenges of online shopping and retail parks has seen a decline in high streets across the country. New initiatives seek to regenerate town centres thorough community and cultural activities. Therefore, it is essential to measure the perception of the developments taking place in Barnstaple.
North Devon Council (NDC) currently has three major funded projects in Barnstaple: Future High Streets Fund (FHSF), led by the Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government (MCHLG); Safer Streets Funded by the Home Office and the Cultural Development Fund (CDF) funded by Arts Council England. These projects serve a common purpose, which is to make Barnstaple a better place to live work and visit.
We sought to conduct a survey in order to understand how residents, businesses and visitors perceive Barnstaple town centre. The primary objective is to gather data and feedback that will assist in measuring the effectiveness of the regeneration projects taking place. We plan to run the survey every six months until the regeneration projects are complete and related activity have been established.
Round one of the survey consisted of 12 questions and ran for six weeks starting on Monday 12 June 2023 There were a total of 370 responses from online and paper surveys. This formed a baseline upon which we can begin to measure.
Round two of the survey had an additional question to find out if people had noticed any changes to the town centre offering. It ran for six weeks starting on 22 February. There were a total of 791 responses from online and paper surveys. The results are as follows.
What is your main reason for visiting Barnstaple?
37% Shopping – particularly branded retailers
23% Shopping – particularly Independent retailers
4% Pannier market
1% Culture i.e. heritage, arts & crafts, performance
11% Social i.e. Events, dining, pubs & bars
11% Work or College
3% Leisure i.e. outdoor spaces, sports & fitness
10% Other
Types of ‘other’ activities included:
Library
Bank
Health appointment/medical
Hairdressers
Live here
How often do you visit Barnstaple town centre for your primary purpose?
10% Rarely
13% Less than once a month
14% Once a month
21% 2-3 times a month
17% Once a week
15% 2-3 times a week
10% Every Day
What do you think are the strengths of Barnstaple?
16% Branded retailers
18% Independent retailers
18% Pannier market
16% Culture i.e. heritage, arts & crafts, performance
17% Social i.e. Events, dining, pubs & bars
15% Leisure i.e. outdoor spaces, sports & fitness
Types of ‘other’ strengths included:
Bank/Building Society
Carnival
Medical Centre and Dentists
Hairdressers and Barber Shops
Beauty and Wellbeing
What do you think are the weaknesses of Barnstaple town centre?
17% Limited accessibility
19% Limited shopping options
17% Limited dining options
18% Limited entertainment or cultural activity
21% Poor maintenance and upkeep
8% Other
Types of ‘other’ weaknesses included:
Vacant shops
Antisocial behaviour
Toilets - lack of and poor state
Expensive parking
What would help improve your experience of visiting Barnstaple town centre?
19% More shops
17% More restaurants and cafes
19% More entertainment options including events
17% Improved accessibility including signage, pavements & cycle routes
20% Improved maintenance / cleanliness
8% Other
Types of ‘other’ improvements included:
Cheaper parking or park and ride scheme.
Better signposting.
More facilities available for people not able to spend money
Less begging and street sleepers
Better pavements
How safe do you feel?
21% Very
51% Reasonably
20% Not very
8% Not at all
How important is it to you that the town centre is pedestrian friendly?
63% Very important
27% Somewhat important
8% Not very important
2% Not at all important
How did you travel to Barnstaple?
63% Car
1% Taxi
9% Bus
1% Train
3% Cycle
21% On foot
2% Other
Have you noticed any improvements or changes to what’s on offer in Barnstaple town centre in the last six months?
38% Yes
61% No
1% No response
If answered ‘yes’ comments include:
Pannier market reopening/upgrade
Electric scooters added around town to help transport
Boutport Street and Butchers Row improved
Street Marshalls
Cleanliness
Pannier Market & Library has more events
Library Square
Green lanes
Barnstaple in Bloom work
What we have done
Street Marshals
Funded by The Safer Streets project, the marshals have made a significant impact on making the town centre a safer place. Funding has been secured to extend the contract.
Street Cleanliness Task Force
A team of people from across public service groups and organisations and set about cleaning the town by removing stickers and graffiti. The new street cleaning machine also made its debut.
Barnstaple In Bloom Planters
Funded by Safer Streets, the planters brought a burst of colour along the High Street and Butchers Row.
Chewing Gum Removal Machine
Following a successful bid as part of ‘Keep Britain Tidy’, this long awaited gadget is contributing to improving cleanliness.
Town Centre Enhancement Grant Scheme
A grant scheme to improve high street shops funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund.
Library Square
Funded by Section 106, new seating, planters and a feature bench have improved the area which can also be used for community events.
Re-opening of the Barnstaple Pannier Market
Following the completions of the renovations, the market’s new look has raised its profile and re-opened the much needed toilet facilities for public use.
Cultural Development Fund
Funded by the Arts Council, a programme of events and activities are underway for all the community to enjoy. The Pannier Market hosted ‘Museum of the Moon’ receiving more than 26,000 visitors during December and January.