To receive an update from Paul Roach, Windsor Town Manager.

Paul Roach introduced the item and explained that a number of changes had had to be implemented to Windsor town centre due to Covid19, and the need to maintain social distancing. This included the removal of some benches, and Paul Roach stated that there were no plans to remove all of them, contrary to speculation that had been circulating. Work had taken place to ensure social distancing was able to be more stringently enforced in areas that had been identified as being at high risk of transmitting Covid19. This included relocating part of the main taxi rank outside the castle to further along Thames Street.

Paul Roach said the response from businesses to the changes had been positive, as the changes had shown a willingness to support the local economy. The possibility of the food market being reintroduced, in line with government guidance, was being explored. The Forum was told that the most recent piece of guidance to be announced concerned businesses being able to have their own NHS QR code. Businesses were being contacted to make sure they were being assigned their unique code, and to ensure the correct track and trace data was being recorded. Paul Roach said work was being undertaken with external partners to deal with issues that would improve access to Windsor town centre still further.

The Forum was told that a new social media platform, My Royal Borough, had just been launched as a way of allowing businesses and the visitor information team to promote activities and offers taking place and to circulate news and information.

Paul Roach told the Forum that the recent town centre health check had shown that visitor footfall was being maintained. Although it was accepted that because of Covid19 normal visitor numbers would be lower compared to previous years, weekend footfall levels were starting to approach normal figures. Overall footfall was down 16 per cent compared to the previous year and was down 42 per cent year to year. The UK average footfall was down 48 per cent year to year. Coach park visits were significantly down, particularly from international travellers, although over the last month there had been an increase from local visitors. In terms of vacant retail units, Paul Roach stated Windsor had 9.4 per cent of its units vacant, against a national average of 10.3 per cent. However there were a number of businesses that had not opened at all during the pandemic, and if they failed to reopen then the vacant units could go up to 16 per cent. It was not currently known the plans were for these businesses. Paul Roach said that Windsor Yards were in discussions over two new tenants potentially coming in; these would be significant businesses rather than a pop-up or charity shop. There was also the possibility of new businesses at the Royal Station Shopping. Paul Roach said he would provide updates when more information was available. In addition, although footfall was down, spending was slightly higher in comparison to the previous year.

Paul Roach told the Forum that a number of businesses had been in contact with him to say they were deeply concerned at the impact of a possible second lockdown due to Covid19. He said the retail sector had been hit particularly hard; although many retail outlets had had assistance with business rates, they were still struggling to afford other costs. Some businesses had not been eligible for assistance because they were outside of the thresholds, and these were the ones that had been contacting Paul Roach to ask for further assistance. Many of these were now being promoted through the My Royal Borough group.

Following questions from Forum members, Paul Roach clarified the NHS QR code system. He also confirmed that the 10pm shutdown meant there was no leeway for drinking-up time in pubs, and although restaurants providing takeaway service were able to continue operating this beyond 10pm they were not able to accept any more sit-down customers.

Cllr Rayner said there was a strategy review of the museum and tourist information centre was being undertaken, which would go to Cabinet. There would also be the possibility the review would go to the relevant overview and scrutiny panel, in order for it to be discussed in public. She explained that because the museum had been closed as a result of a Cabinet paper, it could only be reopened if recommended to do so in a subsequent Cabinet report.

Julia White told the Forum that a new website, www.windsor.gov.uk, had been launched thanks to money from a European fund aimed at reopening high streets. The video footage used on the website was a mix of existing footage and additional material shot using a drone. There were two videos; one lasting around 30 seconds looked at returning to the high street in a safe manner, and was aimed at local residents to encourage them to support local businesses. A longer video was aimed at the domestic ‘staycation’ market to encourage visitors to use hotels, hospitality and local attractions, which had been badly affected by lockdown.

It was suggested to the Forum that more independent retailers could be encouraged to use any vacant units. The Forum was also told the area around St Leonards Road was looking shabby, with little evidence of cleaning and maintenance. Cllr Rayner agreed this was an opportunity to reach out to local businesses about having more independent retailers in the town centre, and this was being done. She also said she would look into the claims regarding St Leonards Road. Paul Roach supported Cllr Rayner’s statement that independent retailers were being contacted about the vacant units, and told the Forum that the Council was also receiving a large volume of queries from mobile catering businesses.