Chamber calls for Stormont rescue plan to breathe new life into our town centres

Mr Hamilton said: “The 18% drop in retail sales across the UK in April highlights the threat to city centres and high streets posed by Covid-19 and the lockdown restrictions it has brought.

“Retail is a sector that has been facing challenges for some time, but the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the situation with a 30% increase in online sales. This all adds up to a worrying period for the retail sector who face a troubling future of these trends continue.

“Given the impact of the Covid-19 restrictions on our city centres and high streets, now is the time, as part of its plan for economic recovery, for the Executive to consider replicating the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.

“The Government’s £1bn fund is helping 100 cities and towns to improve transport and access into town centres, convert empty retail units into new homes and workplaces, and invest in vital infrastructure.

“There is no equivalent scheme for towns and cities in Northern Ireland. If we value the economic, social and cultural role that our city centres and high streets play then this needs to change.

“The Executive should carefully consider how they could create a scheme like the Future High Streets Fund that could help breathe life back into our city centres.”