Newark Advertiser reader letters:
I read with interest the plans for re-developing Newark Town Centre and the Market P l ac e.
While I agree something must be done, I am at a loss why those responsible are not approaching this in a much better way.
Having had a successful career in sales and marketing for many years I am surprised at suggestions I have seen.
Firstly, attempting to attract new retail outlets would be a folly, as in itself it would not provide sufficient interest to visit the town, and most would argue that the demise of the town centre proves that the shops people want to visit are not found in town centres, they are in out of town shopping complexes, such as Meadowhall/ McCarthur Glen, Downtown etc.
However, there are many examples of cities and areas that clearly have been highly successful in attracting interest and visitors from around the world. (Places such as York, London, Edinburgh) .
This is what I suggest - always sell what you have that is unique (USP). Identify what Newark can offer that is only available here.
This should be done by engaging a cross section of local business/tourist board/council etc, to identify what would actually attract people to visit.
Attractions should include the National Civil War Museum, castle, Sconce, parish church and other historic buildings and nearby attractions such as The Workhouse, Southwell Minster and Upton Clock Museum and there are others if you think hard enough .
This is the place to start planning what to improve to attract people to visit. Once you’ve decided, you need to engage these attractions and decide what to invest to make these attractions simply world class and worthy of visiting.
I would also suggest there is little point in concentrating on attracting new shops to the town before developing the attractions that will bring in the visitors. If done correctly, and this will not be a quick fix, visitors will start to come in to see the attractions .
The new footfall will then drive business interest in Newark and area. We also need to see a change in the provision of parking for cars and coaches.
Comment was made on the letters page of the Advertiser that many years ago we used to see coachloads visiting.
If we could attract this kind of interest again then the coach companies need somewhere suitable/accessible to park the coaches whilst visitors enjoy the town.
As the town became more and more attractive to visit it would develop retail opportunities in all kinds of new outlets, selling a whole variety of goods, fancy and tourist items ( e.g. see some of the items at National Civil War Museum).
When visitor numbers increase there will be vastly increased demand for accommodation, cafes, restaurants, take-aways.
Events and festivals will also benefit from increased activity and the tow n’s income for everyone will undoubtedly improve beyond recognition.
We should remember that before you can develop anything in the town centre you have to attract the people and visitors who will sustain the town for decades to come and make Newark a number one place to visit - that and that alone will bring the prosperity the town and its residents deserve. — ROBERT CAMPBELL, C o d d i n g to n .
