To receive the above report.

Paul Roach (Windsor & Eton Town Centre Manager) stated that most Windsor town centre’s shops had re-opened, however some remained closed. The Hello Lamppost project had over 4,500 interactions over the last month, providing good insight as to why the public are there. There were plans to extend this to areas such as Dedworth and Maidenhead.

Paul Roach said that footfall in Windsor town centre had increased, it was still slightly under the levels of 2019, however, was increasing. Coach and Car park attendance was also up, although still lower than past figures due to a lower number of international visitors.

·       Smaller areas such as Ascot, Eton, Dedworth at a vacancy rate of between 3-6%

·       Windsor at 10%, significantly lower than national average of 14.5-15%

Paul Roach said that around 8 new businesses will be opening in Windsor town centre soon, which will positively change the vacancy rate.

No new information on the Harte and Garter hotel moving anywhere this year. The Ivy restaurant shall also be staying as it is for the time being.

Councillor Wisdom Da Costa asked what the general dwell times were for car parks in the town centre. Paul Roach said that information could be available when and if required.

Councillor Wisdom Da Costa also asked if business turnovers were returning to buoyant levels. Paul Roach said that most businesses were shy at disclosing this, however several businesses had been performing well, including restaurants.

Councillor Wisdom Da Costa asked if there was a direct contact of landlords in Windsor now. Paul Roach said that a Landlord’s list was started last year, and is added to all the time, however it is not complete.

Councillor Wisdom Da Costa asked a supplementary question on if there were any plans by the council such as a visit Windsor campaign to support businesses.

Paul Roach stated that the launch of the ‘My Royal Borough’ website had seen a significant improvement in communication with businesses. The ‘Don’t let your guard down’ campaign had also been given a lot of support.

Councillor Tisi asked what the borough was doing to help small businesses start up from their homes and online, to the high street.

Paul Roach said that promotional stands were being encouraged by decreasing the fees to do so. Paul Roach also said that getting businesses to help each other was key, with advertising in empty shop windows for example. 

Councillor Davies asked for further information regarding themes from the Hello Lamppost campaign and if it registered where visitors came from.

Paul Roach said that the questions are customised depending on what the object is and that it cannot register where visitors have come from. Future locations can be tweaked and optimised for the best results.

Councillor Rayner asked what the footfall level was for August.

Paul Roach said that:

·       Windsor Town Centre was 18% up compared to 2020.

·       6% down compared to August 2019.

·       In the last 52 weeks, 5 million people had been through Windsor town centre.

Ed Wilson asked what the difference was between users and individuals, with regards to the Hello Lamppost campaign.

Paul Roach replied by clarifying that:

·       4,400 individuals had interacted with the campaign.

·       819 users had come back multiple times to use the campaign.

Ed Wilson asked the lead member where the funds were being obtained from for this campaign.

Councillor Rayner clarified that this was not funded through council tax and was instead part of the covid recovery plan to encourage engagement and improve communication between the borough and the residents. Paul Roach reiterated that it was a new way of communicating with people.

Claire Milne asked if there were any plans regarding the footbridge between the coach park and the station.

Paul Roach said that a small amount of money had been identified and that hopefully by next Spring, some actions will be taken towards tackling this issue. It was then clarified that the bridge was owned by Network Rail but was maintained by the council.

Councillor Wisdom Da Costa asked if there was a plan regarding 5G coverage and how the night-time economy was coping post-pandemic. Paul Roach was unable to answer with confidence regarding plans for 5G coverage.

Paul Roach said that increased lighting had been provided on Goswell Hill and one of the empty archways, had been secured using railings to deter people. Discussions had been undertaken with various late-night businesses, ensuring everything was being done that could be to reduce anti-social behaviour.

The Chairman said that jubilee events would take place next year for the royal household and that the changing of the guard had returned recently to the town. The Chairman also said that royal events always attract visitors and increase footfall to the town.

The Chairman said that there was potentially a 5G mast by the Windsor Leisure Centre, which could suggest coverage for Windsor. With relation to the arches, the Chairman said that around 18/24 months ago, Network Rail sold the arches to a private consortium.

Jeffery Pick said that Thames Valley Police were checking licenses of night-time economy practices.

Councillor Rayner stated that any issues with the night-time economy were dealt with very quickly by the council, Thames Valley Police, and residents, which made visitors to Windsor feel safer.

Paul Roach said finally that a borough-wide Christmas programme was delivered electronically to residents previously. This year the plan was for a printed version to be distributed to all households within the borough.