In January, Felixstowe was selected to receive support from the High Streets Task Force who visited us at the end of the month to tour our town centre and discuss the challenges we face with local representatives that included East Suffolk Council, Felixstowe Town Council, Felixstowe BID and some of our town centre businesses.
 
We are constantly looking for ways to improve our town and support Felixstowe businesses and so are always keen to adopt advice and available assistance from any credible sources and authorities, particularly when it is offered at no cost.

The BID'S relationship with East Suffolk Council means that we are always in position to lobby for improved services and quickly start discussions on what our businesses need to thrive in a clean and well-presented town with an efficient infrastructure.

The report identifies our strengths and areas of improvement that we will be working on together with East Suffolk Council, Felixstowe Town Council and local businesses

The High Streets Task Force was commissioned by the government in 2019 as part of its Plan for the High Street and in response to recommendations of an expert panel on the high street chaired by the highly successful entrepreneur Sir John Timpson. You can read more about High Streets Task Force here.

HSTF said “…a wonderful town with a seafront”

▪        Coastal location

▪        Walkable town centre

▪        Shared space prioritising pedestrians for safety and ambiance

▪        Strong and growing array of independent businesses

▪        Low retail vacancy rates – 6% against a national average of 27%

▪        Tourism appeal and family attraction

▪        Emerging vintage / antiques cluster

▪        Good integration with rural catchment

▪        Port supports employment and logistics supply chains

▪        Train links to central London – hourly to/from Liverpool St.

▪        Growing residential population diversifying demographic

▪        Evidence of some partnership working, particularly through the new BID

▪        Recognition of value of cultural activity to celebrate local talent and attract visitors

If you’d like to know more about High Street Task Force, or be part of the BID, contact manager@felixstowebid.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW THAT EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT IN BID AREA, YOU MIGHT BE ELIGABLE TO JOIN THE BID?