Richmond Borough Conservative Councillors call for a plan to restore the Visitor Economy
Very few boroughs can compete with Richmond Borough when it comes to the range of creative industries, tourist attractions and open spaces. 4.5 million people come to the Borough every year, supporting around 8,600 jobs and generating some £469m for the local economy. Music, dance, numerous local arts and culture groups and the nationally acclaimed Richmond and Orange Tree Theatres, as well smaller local arts centres, all contribute to the wealth and character of the borough and wellbeing of residents. Coronavirus has had a huge impact and many businesses are facing significant challenges, and those who rely on delivering live performances have been hit particularly hard.
There is a synergy between our high streets, creative industries and open spaces and no shortage of expertise in any of these sectors willing to work with the Council on developing a plan for attracting visitors to the borough.
Cllr Pamela Fleming, Joint Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group, who tabled the Motion said
"The £1.57billion government funding for the arts sector has been warmly welcomed by arts organisations and I hope local centres, groups and theatres will benefit. But there's also a lot the Council can do if it will take the same innovative approach as our small businesses which have been remarkably agile at adapting to the changes. Council buildings currently earning little or no revenue could be used for pop up shops and open spaces for live performances. These sort of initiatives would all help to bring back shoppers to our high streets and support our creative industries. Council agreed the motion so there's no reason to delay especially now the go ahead has been given for live outdoor theatre and music."
