The centre is defined, however, predominantly by the number of independent retailers/ service providers; approximately 84% of occupants within the town centre are independents. The 77 providers include a number of independent food outlets, health and beauty retailers and fashion retailers. The independent stores and shops all contribute significantly to the overall diversity, vitality and viability of the town centre’s offer. In summary, it is considered that there is a good and complementary mix of multiple and independent retailers, serving the centre and its catchment population. The independent retailers seem to be providing quality goods and service and therefore appear to be performing well. Olney must seek to maintain and build on the independent offer, building on its niche market, in order to continue its success as a shopping, service and leisure destination. Markets There are two markets held in Olney. A weekly market is held every Thursday from 8am to 3.30pm on Olney’s Market Place. There is a wide range of stalls including clothing, flowers, meat, vegetables and household goods. The Olney Farmers Market is held on the first Sunday in the month from 9am to 1pm on the Market Place. The Farmers Market has become a popular attraction both for local people and visitors looking to purchase a wide variety of locally sourced produce. Retailer Demand & Requirements Table 14 of Appendix 8 sets out the retail requirements as listed by the Requirement List (April 2017) and Shop Property (April 2017). In summary, requirements are from McCarthy and Stone; and Aldi for a unit from 10,000 sq ft. Prime Zone A Rents The of rent that businesses are prepared to pay for retail space and yields achieved in investment transactions in a centre provides a further indication of the relative strength of the centre and its prime retail pitch as a shopping centre. Evidence from our CJ agent indicate that prime Zone A rents in Olney stand at around £33-44 per sq ft. Table 15 of Appendix 8 compares Prime Zone A rents achieved in Olney at 2016 with other centres of similar role and function. Environmental Quality Since Olney town centre sits within the Olney Conservation Area, it benefits from a vibrant and attractive shopping environment. It is a small, traditional, rural market town and the Georgian architecture contributes to the screen scene. The well-kept, traditional shop fronts help to enhance the distinct character of the town centre. The few modern additions are sympathetic to the centre’s established character. open space within the town centre is limited, however street furniture and signage is abundant and of a high quality.
The centre is defined, however, predominantly by the number of independent retailers/ service providers; approximately 84% of occupants within the town centre are independents. The 77 providers include a number of independent food outlets, health and beauty retailers and fashion retailers. The independent stores and shops all contribute significantly to the overall diversity, vitality and viability of the town centre’s offer. In summary, it is considered that there is a good and complementary mix of multiple and independent retailers, serving the centre and its catchment population. The independent retailers seem to be providing quality goods and service and therefore appear to be performing well. Olney must seek to maintain and build on the independent offer, building on its niche market, in order to continue its success as a shopping, service and leisure destination. Markets There are two markets held in Olney. A weekly market is held every Thursday from 8am to 3.30pm on Olney’s Market Place. There is a wide range of stalls including clothing, flowers, meat, vegetables and household goods. The Olney Farmers Market is held on the first Sunday in the month from 9am to 1pm on the Market Place. The Farmers Market has become a popular attraction both for local people and visitors looking to purchase a wide variety of locally sourced produce. Retailer Demand & Requirements Table 14 of Appendix 8 sets out the retail requirements as listed by the Requirement List (April 2017) and Shop Property (April 2017). In summary, requirements are from McCarthy and Stone; and Aldi for a unit from 10,000 sq ft. Prime Zone A Rents The of rent that businesses are prepared to pay for retail space and yields achieved in investment transactions in a centre provides a further indication of the relative strength of the centre and its prime retail pitch as a shopping centre. Evidence from our CJ agent indicate that prime Zone A rents in Olney stand at around £33-44 per sq ft. Table 15 of Appendix 8 compares Prime Zone A rents achieved in Olney at 2016 with other centres of similar role and function. Environmental Quality Since Olney town centre sits within the Olney Conservation Area, it benefits from a vibrant and attractive shopping environment. It is a small, traditional, rural market town and the Georgian architecture contributes to the screen scene. The well-kept, traditional shop fronts help to enhance the distinct character of the town centre. The few modern additions are sympathetic to the centre’s established character. open space within the town centre is limited, however street furniture and signage is abundant and of a high quality.