I am delighted that Malton Estate is to give evidence to an influential committee on how it successfully attracts shoppers and businesses to its town centre. I recommended that the Estate should share its best practices with the Housing Communities and Local Government Select Committee, on which I serve, and which has launched the inquiry into High Streets and Town Centres.
There is so much others can learn from Malton. They have shown how it is possible, by way of significant investment, free parking, marketing, and events such as its renowned food festivals which have earned it the title ‘Yorkshire’s Food Capital’ and which attracts thousands of visitors keeping the town alive and thriving all year round. What Malton has achieved in recent years to regenerate the town through innovation, the contribution of many excellent businesses and sheer hard work is quite remarkable and I know the town would want to share it with others.
The inquiry will look into the role of high streets and town centres in contributing to the local economy and the health, wellbeing, cohesion and cultural life of the local community; the economic, demographic, social and technological challenges facing high streets and town centres; how high streets and town centres are adapting to meet these challenges; the conditions necessary for sustainability, for example, residential development and related infrastructure; how local areas are planning for the future and whether councils have the planning, licensing, tax raising and other tools needed to help local areas flourish and how they make use of these.
Roddy Bushell will give evidence to the committee on behalf of the estate on Monday 22nd October.