Transform Basingstoke: Project Updates
Transform Basingstoke Launch
The Transform Basingstoke campaign officially launched, calling for the relocation of businesses from The Malls into vacant town centre units, and the creation of a new community space and stadium. The petition went live, backed by residents frustrated with years of inaction, and a public call was made for bold, ambitious regeneration led by and for the people of Basingstoke.
Apr 2025
CAMPAIGN MEETS WITH LOCAL MP
We recently met with Luke Murphy MP to discuss the future of Basingstoke. It was a positive and constructive conversation, where we shared our vision for a town centre that supports thriving businesses, attracts new restaurants and independent traders, and becomes a more welcoming and vibrant destination for everyone.
Luke Murphy MP echoed these ambitions, recognising the importance of revitalising our high street and creating the right environment for local enterprise to flourish. Together, we believe Basingstoke has the potential to transform into a town centre that not only serves the needs of today but builds confidence for the future.
JUN 2025
CAMPAIGN MEETS WITH ESTAMA
We recently met with Estama, the new managers of Festival Place, to discuss their vision for the future of the centre and its role in Basingstoke’s regeneration. They spoke with enthusiasm about the opportunities created by the centre’s new ownership - outlining ambitious plans to enhance the retail and leisure offer - and were interested in the aims of the Transform Basingstoke campaign.
We look forward to building this partnership and ensuring Festival Place continues to play a central role in Basingstoke’s future.
JUN 2025
£5bn needed to revive UK’s struggling high streets, study finds
A new report from the Centre for Cities thinktank has found that reforming the “flawed” business rates system is not enough to revive high streets in struggling local economies, and as much as £5bn is needed to revive ailing UK town and city centres.
While the health of high streets across the country varies significantly, a lack of consumer spending power is impacting towns like Basingstoke. The study suggests that policies relating to shopfronts, rents or parking miss the bigger picture in response to low footfall, with the cause being economic rather than cosmetic.
JUL 2025
GAME FESTIVAL PLACE CLOSING
High street retailer GAME has announced further closures across the UK, including its long-standing Basingstoke store, with more sites due to shut in the coming months.
The company, owned by Frasers Group, is consolidating operations by moving many outlets into concessions within larger Sports Direct and House of Fraser stores.
The closure of GAME in Festival Place highlights the ongoing challenges facing high streets across the UK, with rising costs, changing shopping habits and the shift to digital gaming all placing pressure on traditional retailers.
AUG 2025
half of businesses suffer worse trading results year-on-year, report shows
Figures released by the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) show that 46% of businesses suffered worse trading results in Q2 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with stretched household budgets leaving many customers unable to afford "extra luxuries".
Retailers point to a range of pressures, including industry-wide overstock, concerns over business rates, and increases in the national minimum wage. They also highlighted the impact of aggressive new brands from China and Taiwan entering the market, adding to already challenging trading conditions.
