Jobs FAQ
Q: Will local independent retailers be able to afford the rents of the new units?
A: Whilst there can be no 'special treatment' offered to one set of retailers against another, local independent businesses will have every chance - and encouragement - to take advantage of the great opportunity the project offers entrepreneurs. Having said this, we are also keen to see the existing centre remain and grow in prosperity. Independents in the existing centre are a key part of making sure this happens.
Q: What help will be given to help those businesses forced to relocate to make way for the development?
A: There will be about 40 businesses directly affected over a number of years, in a carefully planned way. ESG is already working closely with the first of them to ensure a smooth transition to alternative sites.
The link road will affect 17 businesses accounting for 130 full time and 26 part time jobs. Wherever possible and feasible, relocation opportunities will be made available so that employment losses are minimised. For many, the move will offer a chance to expand and move from properties which may be nearing the end of their economic lifespan.
AWM has acquired the Three Elms Trading Estate, and has applied for planning permission to extend the Estate.
The redevelopment of Holmer Trading Estate has just been approved, and there is a commitment within the section 106 agreement for the redevelopment to provide opportunity for relocating ESG businesses, subject to meeting the needs of existing businesses on the site first. This provides potential for relocation within close proximity of the ESG area.
There are also many other privately owned sites and premises available now. In October 2009, the Council’s Commercial Property Register shows there was 48,592 square metres of industrial floorspace vacant in Hereford north of the River Wye and currently available on the market, this supplycharacterised by a range of available premises in terms of size and location.
Q: How will you safeguard independent local shops and businesses?
A:Independent shops and businesses form a key component in the attraction and vitality of the city. In delivering the ESG project the city will benefit from an increasing number of visitors and the resulting foot-fall. In addition to this opportunity, up to 1,000 new homes will developed within the Urban Village which will again provide demand in the City and High Town. Similarly the evening and leisure economy is anticipated to develop again increasing opportunities plus for longer dwell time for retailers, bars and restaurants.
Q: How many jobs will the ESG Project produce, a figure of 3,000 has been mentioned?
A: The project will provide up to 1,251 jobs in the construction, development and operation of the Link Road, Urban Village and Retail and Leisure Quarter.
The figure of 3,000 jobs related to various Council initiatives including the ESG Project, Rotherwas Futures and the Council’s Local Development Framework. Currently the County has 3,001 people claiming job seekers allowance (September 2009) which represents 2.9% of the workforce, so all in all there will be many opportunities for work in and around the city.
Q: Will these jobs go to local people?
A: By working with training providers in the local community, ESG and the Council will make sure that as many jobs as possible will be taken up by locally based people.