York needs a boat version of park and ride to boost the city centre and its independent traders, a business leader has said.
Phil Pinder, chair of York High Street Forum, said this innovation would help to ensure the future prosperity of the retail heart of York.
His comments followed a national report which outlined the numerous challenges facing Britain’s high streets.
Phil, who is co-founder of the Potions Cauldron and the Hole In Wand in York, said the boat version would mirror the bus park and ride, but use the River Ouse rather than the city’s congested roads.
He has discussed the idea with the new Mayor of York and North Yorkshire David Skaith when he was Phil’s predecessor as chair of York High Street Forum.
“I’ve always said that I would look to do some innovative things at the park and ride. Myself and the Mayor David always talked about looking at boat and ride.
“It probably will need investment in brand new boats. Some of the boats that exist in York at the minute are far too big to go under some of our bridges.
“If you look at places like Holland, they have really low boats. We can invest in some of those and have river taxi services.
“I think that would make coming into town a bit more fun as well, and a bit different.”
He suggested something could be developed at the Rawcliffe Park&Ride, which is close to the river. With the contract due for renewal in 2025, it was a good time to consider the option.
Some tough months
Phil was speaking after the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) published a report entitled The Future of the High Street.
It called for a specialised fund to support pop-ups and encourage new businesses to establish themselves in town and city centres.
Nearly half of small businesses surveyed by the FSB said good transport links were key for the future of the high street.
The research also found plummeting consumer spending, falling footfall and crime or anti-social behaviour were the biggest risks to high streets, according to small traders.
Phil welcomed the report. “The report was essential. Small businesses need to give their opinion on the future of high street.”
“There have been tough months,” Phil said, of 2024 so far. People have changed their spending behaviour this year, notably on pre-bookings at visitor attractions in the city, as cash has become tighter.
“Obviously we are missing some of the big names. Some of the big shops that have gone have been really tough to fill,” he added
“Coppergate’s still got two big empty shops, which we hope are getting filled soon. We have heard good news on those.”
Corporate landlords were happy to keep shops empty, as that way they didn’t have to pay business rates but could still reap the rewards of an appreciating asset, he said. Changes in the rules on this were needed.
“That’s what many landlords have done on Coney Street over time. Now it’s great to see local investors like Helmsley take that back into their ownership and look at having a plan of how we bring that space back into into use.”
The sunny weather coinciding with the start of the summer holidays has helped York’s indie traders.
“York is unique because we kept our old buildings,” he added. “They’ve been really good for independent retailers to flourish, because they’re tiny little properties.
“I think that’s what’s made us stand out, and that’s what makes us different.”
York city centre has “a huge tourism footfall, but I think this report is probably more pressing for our outlying towns like Haxby and Acomb.”
Read full details of The Future of the High Street here.