3.2.5
Original Document
An analysis of present development proposals clearly shows that the majority of city centre growth falls within in the core. 70% of currently proposed office development is located in the core. The only other significant areas of proposed development are Eastside (19%) and Westside (8%). The sum total of schemes currently in the development pipeline would generate 670,000 sq m of office and 35,000 sq m of retail. There is clearly a need to ensure that the other city centre quarters benefit from higher levels of economic activity and growth.
Plain English Translation
Building work that is planned already is mostly within the very centre of the city (known as the ‘Core’), with some in Eastside and Westside. This work would create 670,000 square meters of offices and 35,000 square meters of shops.
We need to make sure that the other areas of the city centre get enough new offices, factories and shops.
Future business growth will most likely come from new start-ups and individuals, particularly given the push on creative sector jobs. these fledgling businesses need cheap accommodation which is where the use of older building can be best utilised. New buildings need to generate incomes that cover the building and maintenance costs – older ones are usually costed on maintenance grounds and so are cheaper. We should not stifle growth in new businesses by pricing them out of the city centre.