Derby Cathedral Quarter: Investment Scoops National Award
After eight years of collaboration and investment in Derby's Cathedral Quarter, Historic England is delighted to hear of the retail neighbourhood's success in the 2016 Great British High Street Awards.
The Business Improvement District has scooped the top award for the 'city location' category. The judges were particularly impressed with their 'hard work to attract inward investment' enabling them to 'turn the Cathedral Quarter into a respected brand'.
Historic shopping area needed investment and expertise
The historic shopping area, in a designated Conservation Area, needed investment to refresh its collection of historic buildings whose character had been lost through neglect, clumsy alteration and crude modern fascias.
In response, the City Council and Historic England offered shop owners advice and funding in return for their investing an equivalent amount in repairs and refurbishment. Since 2008, 91 grants have been approved in Irongate, the Strand, Sadlergate, Wardwick and surrounding streets.
The partnership scheme was one of a number of initiatives which enabled the Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District to raise its game. With improvements which the City Council has made to the streetscape, browsing its fascinating range of independent shops is now a pleasure.
Jobs and shoppers benefit
Evidence from follow-up surveys suggests that 250 jobs have been created or protected, sales and retail footfall has increased and confidence in the retail market has been renewed. No wonder Derby Cathedral Quarter scooped this coveted award - our congratulations to all concerned.
