Out of Town Retail Parks: |Back |
In most towns and cities the 1980s and 1990s saw many shops move out from town centre locations to edge of town locations. It even happened in Abergavenny with Waitrose and KwikFit opening close to the Heads of the Valleys road outside the town. More stores like a Homebase DIY may go onto the site of the old Coopers Filters factory nearby.
1) With  a partner read these features about retail parks carefully. Tick each row if the statement applies to Abergavenny.
	Tick		Tick
Pleasant, bright and cheerful with greenery.		Pedestrianised with large covered shopping malls
Large car parks with free parking		Large flat site with plenty of space for expansion.
Covered shops with air conditioning		Ideal for shopping by car. .
Major stores like Marks and Spencer		Many shops with a wide a range of goods
Edge of town location; close to major road junction		Popular with shoppers
Land is cheaper to buy (than city centre)		Shops have large floor space but are low in height.
Security staff to ensure safety for shoppers		Multiscreen cinema
Fast food outlets, restaurants and a wide a range of leisure amenities.		New developments might include Asda, Waitrose or or Ikea
Children's play area or creche		Provide high, middle and low order goods
Planning controls are relaxed and rates are low.		On a site needing redevelopment. (Brownfield)
2) Sort the statements into four categories:                                 SITE: TRANSPORT : ENVIRONMENT: PEOPLE/LEISURE
3) Highlight any new or specialist terms in the statements. Make sure you find out what they mean in the class discussion.
4) Write a report of about 100 words outlining the ADVANTAGES of OUT of TOWN RETAIL SITES. Try to explain at least one point in some detail.