1. Urmston Town Centre Road Map Overarching plan for activities taking place in Urmston town centre over the next year Set the priorities for the work of the Council in the town centre and identifies future activity. The proposed aims for the Road Map are to: o Identify developments that will realise the potential of the town centre; o Identify how the retail, leisure and services offer in the town centre, including the evening economy, can be improved; o Promote Urmston as a place to live, work, shop, relax and enjoy; o Increasing the footfall of the town; o Assist existing businesses in maintaining and improving their business performance and sustainability whilst encouraging new businesses; o Ensure Urmston town centre is a clean, safe and accessible place; o Ensure the town centre fulfils its role as a vibrant social hub for the whole community.

2. Urmston Road Map - Boundary

3. Baseline Position Vacancy rate (Ground Floor): o Urmston – 11.9%, o North West – 17.3%, o National –13.9% Net number of new business openings – 7 Proportion of independent businesses – 78% Total business rates - £4.12 million Off street parking - 685 spaces / On street parking 49 spaces Total Recorded Crime fell 2.8% between 2011/12 and 2012/13.

4. SWOT Opportunities e.g. Improved signage and information, Victoria Parade, Town Centres Loan Scheme, pop-up shops, environmental improvements, Urmston market Threats e.g. Business rates, economic climate, increasing numbers of charity/discount shops, competition from Trafford Centre & online Strengths e.g. Independent retailers, big retail names & supermarkets, events, entertainment area and outdoor seating (Eden Sq), affluent populations nearby. Weaknesses e.g. Proximity to Trafford Centre, poor signage poor leisure & cultural offer, Victoria Parade vacancies.

5. Business Support o Economic Growth Team o Loan Scheme Events o Spring & Christmas o Food Festivals & Markets Retail offers / competitions Environmental Improvements Communications o Newsletters, Social Media, Press Releases, Business Visits Stakeholder Involvement o Urmston Town Partnership o Locality Partnership Current Activities

6. Future Opportunities & Actions Landlords’ Forums Uses for vacant units Victoria Parade & Pop Up Shops Events o Including Artisan Market on Higher Road Market Environmental Improvements & Signage Websites Promotion of Business Rates relief schemes Town Centre Profiles Performance monitoring