Many like the new Opera Lane development. Me, I find it anonymous – full of multi-national chain outlets and totally lacking in individuality which I like. The development could be in any city in the UK.
All shops have had to deal with the economic downturn and the reduced spending power as well as the competition from online sales and out-of-town centres.
Academy St has also had to deal with a substantial proportion of foot traffic now using the former Faulkner’s Lane.
If one would like to see what a street might be like with little or no shop open, one could walk down Academy Street. My fear is that this will be replicated on other streets.