Footfall for city centre surges in boost for businesses

NATIONAL TREND REVERSED

THOUSANDS of shoppers are returning to Plymouth city centre, in a boost for businesses, as latest figures show a 20% surge in footfall over the past year.

According to the Plymouth City Centre Company, the heartening set of figures will come as a relief and cause for celebration for traders who have survived some of the toughest economic conditions in living memory.

A combination of family friendly events, improvements to public spaces and increased confidence from investors has been hailed as significant reasons for the revival that has sparked droves of visitors and shoppers.

New data suggests that footfall to Plymouth city centre is up 20% year to date, compared with a South West average of minus 2.4% and a UK average of minus 1%.

The new figures come to light as the city centre experiences a mixture of investment, improvements and new openings, including:

■ Newly improved public spaces in Civic Square and New George Street, with the latter now nearing completion following a £17 million investment;

■ More improvements are on the way at Armada Way, the Civic Square and Guildhall area, and Debenhams, greatly enhancing the experience for shoppers and visitors;