RETAILING

3.28 There has been considerable investment in new retail developments throughout the North East in recent years and market demand for further facilities, particularly in Aberdeen and some of the main Aberdeenshire towns, remains strong. Separate independent studies carried out on behalf of Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council over the past two years have thrown light on current and likely future shopping patterns and trends. This work indicates significant growth in expenditure on general comparison goods and bulky goods over the period to 2006 and a relatively small growth in expenditure on convenience goods over the same period. This indicates capacity for further investment in retail facilities although the likely impact of any new developments on existing facilities will vary in different parts of the North East. There is however a need to regularly monitor the rapid changes which occur in the retail sector of the economy.

3.29 Aberdeen is an important regional shopping centre, particularly for comparison goods, but city shops also attract significant convenience goods expenditure from the remainder of the North East. Around 60% of Aberdeenshire residents’ comparison goods expenditure and 35% of convenience goods expenditure takes place in Aberdeen.

3.30 The structure plan and existing and emerging local plans propose strategies that encourage a sustainable pattern of development. They favour new retail facilities being provided, in the first instance, within existing town centres and in accessible locations where there are opportunities to enhance existing facilities which serve and help connect communities.

3.31 The structure plan strategy favours enhancement of the viability and vitality of communities and retail investment can contribute to this process by improving the quality and range of facilities available to people. Aberdeen City Centre will continue to be a significant focus for new investment, particularly for comparison goods, but development opportunities especially for mainly convenience shopping will be encouraged in other town centres throughout the North East. There is scope for improved convenience and comparison shopping provision within Aberdeen and the Aberdeenshire towns and local plans can play an important role in identifying and promoting opportunities for development. It is not necessary to restrict retail development in Aberdeen as a means of encouraging better provision in Aberdeenshire although the impact of major proposals on the vitality and viability of existing centres will have to be clearly assessed and monitored.