Stockbridge - a magnet for businesses?

Why does a small parish (pop ≈ 600) have, in or nearby, about 52 enterprises? The factors are:

Geographical Historical

Scenic/physicalThe snowball effect

Geographical

• At junction of two fairly busy main roads. A30 East- West. A3057 North-South

• = Good passing trade• In a prosperous area• But the marshy valley floor

limits expansion

Historical

• ‘Burgess’ plots with many narrow buildings on High St

• Wide High Street perhaps made to allow a market – now allows parking

• Up to 1960s almost self-sufficient so that businesses premises were already in situ

Scenic - Physical

• Attractive setting – sticks in the mind• Pleasing variety of buildings• Free parking• Places to shop; places to walk; places to eat• Not a clone street. The Co-op is only national

brand• High browser appeal → good footfall• The Stockbridge ‘brand’ has wide appeal

How did SEEDA grants help?

• The Town Hall – rescued from dilapidation• The Scout hut – derelict: contribution to new

build • Town Manager – improved organisation and

trader – parish council cooperation• Tourist information 1. An information stand in

the church 2. A food and walks guide• ‘Trout and About’ annual street market• Flashing 30 mph sign – in hand

New Scout Hut replacing one which was second-hand in 1960s

Tourist Information

Info stand in church Food and Walks Guide

The Town Hall

• Georgian, listed, community building – dingy, dilapidated, poor facilities, esp. for disabled

• Used by local organisations. Also as place to sell by various commercial operators so part of the town’s economy

• Important to upgrade to improve townscape • SEEDA grant a. substantial element in cost of

new build b. gave credibility and drew in other donors = snowball effect

The Town Hall before

The Town Hall now

What problems remain?

PARKINGAs most workers in shops, businesses, etc live

elsewhere. They come to Stockbridge by car. So on most working days 80 - 100 cars are parked, reducing the available spaces for those visiting

shops, businesses or services. Until lately the local ‘traders’ have not seemed concerned. Now they have recognised the problem, but a shortage of

parking space off the High Street remains a major issue.