In the Leiden region, more than 50 shopping areas were studied to understand the level of supply and quality. 15 shopping areas were identified as being the main shopping centres, the remaining areas lie more to the outskirts of the district or belong to a specific suburb. The research shows that there is a surplus of retail square metres and that the quality of what is supplied could be better: in particular the main shopping areas need to increase their supply of non-daily goods which would raise the level of recreational use. In contrast, it is mainly the large shopping centres which are doing well; their supply reflects the needs of the consumers.
The research has been extensively discussed in several meetings in which politicians, entrepreneurs and other interested parties participated. The intention now is for the joint partners in Economie071 to use this research to decide about the main structure of shopping areas for the Leiden region. If no decisions are made, the quality of all shopping areas will be suffer and that will have consequences for the viability of the region. A good, varied retail will ensure that any region remains attractive, both for its own residents and for businesses which wish to settle there.
With the studies and vision, Economie071 provides a bright spot on the horizon for entrepreneurs so that they can make choices for the future. District authorities will also be able to create an outlook when it concerns local and regional investment agreements.
More information can be found in the ‘Projectkaart retailvisie‘.
