Burnley town centre 'bounce back' one of strongest in UK despite Tier 3 restrictions

The town, despite being under Tier 3 restrictions, showed the strongest recovery of any urban centre in the North-West, according to the Centre for Cities think tank.

The figures, which cover the first full week in December, put Burnley among the top 10 in the UK, with overall footfall at 75% of pre-pandemic levels and spending at 80% of previous levels.

They show that the smaller centres – including Birkenhead and Warrington (both Tier 2), and Wigan, Preston and Blackpool (all Tier 3) – all outperformed Manchester and Liverpool.

Manchester, which was in Tier 3, was one of the worst affected centres in the UK, with footfall at just 30% and consumer spending at just 20% of previous levels, while Liverpool which was in Tier 2 fared somewhat better with footfall at 48% and spending at 39% of previous levels.

Burnley BID project manager Andrew Dean was proud of the support locals have shown to Burnley businesses.

He said: “Burnley is a great destination for shopping and during the previous lockdown, our businesses have diversified to continue trading and providing an excellent service to our community and beyond.

“The Discover Burnley Town Centre Online Facebook Group, which is full of businesses and retailers from Burnley, is the perfect example of how our businesses have kept pushing their services and goods to the consumers whilst staying in line with government guidance.

“Many businesses have adapted by introducing Click & Collect and deliveries throughout lockdown and Tier 3 but for a lot of our retailers being able to be physically open in Tier 3 has been a big boost.

“We’re so proud of the fantastic businesses we have in Burnley town centre and I would urge everyone to continue supporting local businesses in the New Year whether that’s by visiting the high street, ordering online or getting takeaway food and drinks.

“The local businesses are very grateful for the support they’ve been given so far and this continued custom will help make sure they stay around for the long run! Please check out our Facebook group for regular updates about shopping in the town centre from our businesses themselves: https://www.facebook.com/groups/burnleytown/."

Coun. Asif Raja, Burnley Council's executive member for economy and growth, said: "It's good to see these positive figures and it reflects that pride and support that people in Burnley have for their town centre. It also reflects the efforts of the council, Charter Walk and the town's retail sector to make people feel safe. We thank everyone who has supported their local shopping centres, including Padiham, over the recent months."

"Although this is good news, we should not underestimate the impact of the pandemic on the retail and hospitality sector. The council is aware that these sectors are facing financial difficulties and would urge businesses to check whether they are eligible for various business support packages that the council has at its disposal."

Further details of the business support grants are available at www.burnley.gov.uk/business.

The Centre for Cities figures were analysed by the insolvency and restructuring trade body R3.

Allan Cadman, North-West chair of R3 and a partner at Poppleton & Appleby, said: “The figures emphasise the pattern which was set during the first lockdown and continued during the summer. Workers and visitors appear to be remaining at home and supporting their local centres in the commuter belt.

“There is a perception that bigger cities are more prone to the virus, and a reluctance to use public transport. And for the Tier 3 locations like Manchester, there is the added challenge that, with bars and restaurants closed, there is limited reason to visit.

“However, it seems that the lost trade from the cities may be benefiting the smaller centres like Burnley and Blackburn, some of which have struggled in the past. It could offer fresh opportunities for these locations to reinvent themselves and rebuild their economies.”

Mr Cadman predicted added: “Online retail has also severely affected the high street. The retail landscape will look different as we enter 2021. Flexibility from all stakeholders will be key to any recovery.

“Long term, working from home - at least partially - is expected to become the new norm, hence there will be less need for office space and downward pressure on rents. If the major cities are to recover, adjustments will need to be made. Whilst they now have large residential populations, they will always rely on visitors, commuters and of course tourists who will surely return in the long term.

“In the meantime a considerable period of depressed trading is inevitable. We urge business owners who are worried about their finances to seek advice from a qualified and reputable professional at the earliest stage.”