More shops is not the same as more shopping

Keel Square lives up to the expectations of all but the committed whinger. Two historic pubs are being preserved. The fire station is a thriving concern after a couple of decades standing idle.

Work on the new auditorium is underway. Town Park is being revamped. Even the Vaux site has finally, finally, come to life. They’re even mending the Dun Cow clock.

All this and the always wonderful Empire Theatre.

Now we have the news that Sunderland City Council is considering spending the very specific sum of £7.474million building “Crowtree Square Retail Unit” on the land vacated by the demolished two thirds of the leisure centre. Shiny new shops.

Ah.

The idea is presumably not only to lure more shoppers with new outlets, but also to create more footfall for existing businesses too.

This is where some might need convincing; and not just those who prefer to spend a fiver on petrol to drive to the Metro Centre, than spend 80p on parking in Sunderland.

We sincerely hope that, assuming the money is spent, the intended consequences fall into place. Namely a swarm of shoppers descending on our establishments, intent on emptying their wallets into the local economy. Hurrah!

It’s the possible unintended consequences that are causing concern.

For the outcome to benefit everyone in the city, more consumers need to be attracted by the new scheme. Would that really happen?

Or would a successful Crowtree Square Retail Unit merely lead to even more empty premises in High Street, Blandford Street, Holmeside and beyond?

More retail space is not the same as more retail.

Demolition has taken place in Blandford Street and more is planned for Holmeside. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as not every building is an aesthetic joy to be preserved in perpetuity.

But how much demolition might be needed if even more older buildings are left unused? Isn’t there a cogent argument for fewer business premises in Sunderland city centre rather than more?

What then to do with the Crowtree land which has been vacant since 2013? Bear in mind that any suggestion faces strident disapproval.

It was described by one local politician as a “grassy wasteland”. This seems a little harsh. It’s quite a pleasant piece of land with a footpath and used for the occasional funfair and impromptu game of footy. What’s wrong with that?

So my suggestion for the future of the plot is to do, well, very little.

Given some perimeter fencing and a few benches, a grassy wasteland suddenly becomes - a park. It could be done for considerably less than £7.474million too.

Of course, that’s only a suggestion. We welcome yours too. Whatever the council spends money on, they will be condemned for either being “wasteful” or “unambitious”.

For the reasons stated above, as well as the damage to shops worldwide created by the economy and the internet, it might be wise to leave the Crowtree land, more or less, as it is.

But as for the old ice rink ...