d. arts, culture and tourism development (including theatres, museums, galleries and concert halls, hotels and conference facilities).

Explanation

432. Main Town Centre Uses are defined in the NPPF. The related area is the name given to the ‘town centre boundary’ as defined on the Policies Map. Revisions to the boundary were identified by the Retail and Leisure Study Update 2022 to bring them in line with definitions in national policy. These boundaries will be kept under review as the town centre expands outwards and the character of areas change in line with the Town Centre West proposals.
433. The scale of future comparison retail growth will be less than previously expected reflecting the impact of the recession, growth of internet shopping and changes in spending patterns. The future focus will need to be on diversifying the town centre's offer and providing new activities and uses which are attractive to a wider audience.
434. The NPPF requires the specific main town centre uses to be set out. The breadth of uses listed in this policy reflects the need to ensure the town centre has a more varied offer and can serve residents as well as visitors.
435. The Primary Shopping Area is also underpinned by evidence in the Retail and Leisure Study Update 2022. It covers the locations in which the town centre's core retail offer is concentrated, around Merseyway, Princes Street, St. Petersgate, Warren Street and the Market Place.
436. Major retail or mixed-use proposals involving retail will be expected to include a Transport Assessment that identifies potential impacts on the Strategic Route Network, in line with guidance from the Department for Transport.