I remember that when I first arrived in Welwyn Garden City, I was truly amazed with its beauty.

The town centre looked quite special; everything felt right, organised and unique.

A few years later, I discovered the idea of the Garden City Movement, which for more than 100 years now, formed and shaped the town and its social, economic and architectural development.

Michal SiewniakMichal Siewniak (Image: Newsquest)

A lot has changed in recent years, hasn’t it?

The pandemic, shopping, access to different products and services online, and more recently the cost of living crisis, high inflation mean that our town centres are in many cases disappearing or they have to find other ways to interact with customers.

In recent months, I visited a number of cities across England but also across Europe, which are also trying to rediscover the way they trade.

In many ways, when I decided to re-stand in the local elections, I was keen to represent the Handside ward, which includes the town centre.

Since being elected, I’ve had a number of meetings with residents, businesses and local partners to understand a bit better how to improve the business model of our town centre.

There is a lot to consider: parking arrangements, “town centre incentives”, understanding the offer of our competitors, business rates, the composition of town centre BIDs (Business Improvement Districts), greater involvement of the community groups and local organisations.

So what is the solution? I don’t think that anyone has a magic wand.

I also think that the old days of key national retailers, which for many years were a visible part of our high streets, will not return.

This is why we need to find new and innovative ways to ensure that our town centres are vibrant, accessible and engaging.

I recently met with Hasan from the Wholesome Market in WGC, who came up with a different way to reach out to customers.

During the current cost of living crisis, Hasan and his team at Wholesome Market have introduced an initiative to support our local communities by offering 25 per cent off all grocery shopping.

Hasan recognizes that in tough times, one of the first sacrifices families make is in the quality of the food they buy.

To address this, they’ve launched a ground-breaking subscription-based plan that provides the largest discounts available, aiming to help families maintain their standards while also rejuvenating our town centre.

Hasan and his team are eager to hear your thoughts on this innovative idea. Your feedback is crucial in shaping this initiative to better serve our community.

Now, a big question for you: How much do you and your family typically spend on shopping per week or month? On average, each household spends £4,128 per year on groceries.

I have recently come across a business model, which already exists across the US. The Community Improvement District (CID) gives a real economic boost to our struggling and "clone-like" town centres.

However, if we want this to succeed, we must ensure that the voice of the local community is an integral part of the decision making.

In so many places across the country, our town centres are owned by big national or international funds or companies, which have no interest in the regeneration of our town centres.

Moreover, this concept will help to enhance partnership working between local partners and agencies.

Our town centres have to re-discover its purpose and identity. I know that the road ahead might be bumpy, however this important learning process might provide solutions to a national decline of our High Streets.

It has never been more important to work together and face this new and challenging reality.