IB Prized Writing Sevenoaks School IB Prized Writing 2014 | Page 184

Fenalla Keevil - Geography Fenella Keevil Traffic Light Summary Table 2, a „traffic light‟ system to summarise the extent of success Princesshay had in achieving its main aims Aim Factor examined Success? Princesshay was successful in creating 1500 jobs and reducing the claimant count in Exeter, however the number of new jobs is difficult to evaluate. A large effort was made to give jobs to unemployed locals and one of the main reasons for the development was that the levels of leakages out of Exeter were already very high. The project was successful in lowering this. A small level of substitution would have taken place. However, unemployment rates in Exeter are low and the majority of employees are from within the City‟s catchment. Direct Employment Impact Leakages Substitution Although there is limited data, the large investment which Princesshay represented suggests that an economic multiplier effect must have occurred. Princesshay acted as a catalyst, attracting John Lewis and Waitrose to the area. Marks and Spencer‟s spent large amounts of money refurbishing before the opening of Princesshay and Boots invested a lot of money post opening. Due to the economic crisis it is difficult to know why levels changed. Princesshay nevertheless helped to maintain levels of visitors. Princesshay helped vacancy rates to recover post the economic crisis, and created a new economic hub in Exeter. Economic Multiplier Effect Increase investor confidence in the area Increase the number of visitors and dwell time Displacement Princesshay brought additional restaurants to the area, however this is only the beginning of the promotion of the evening economy for the council. Creation of an evening economy Summary Increase in car parking tickets and demand for car parks show an increasing number of cars in Exeter. Impact on congestion Measures to combat increased congestion Large investments were made into public transport, a park and ride scheme and car park management systems. Improvements to the public realm Creation of public squares, the incorporation of the old city and general asthetic improvements have allowed the redevelopment to show a radical improvment compared to the original Princesshay. 26 183