We were instructed by Broadland District Council to prepare a Regeneration and Delivery Strategy (commenced at prior employment, Urban Delivery). The project was the first of our economic-led masterplans and as such, we designed around 50 interventions all of which sought to address specific issues we identified as impediments to economic growth.
Aylsham is a traditional market town with a mix of historic family retailers, an attractive town centre and large rural hinterland. Like many others, the town centre faces a difficult future with increasing competition from the internet, supermarkets and out of town retailers and is at a fragile point in its history.
Our role was to bring stakeholders together to review constraints and issues and create a practical suite of projects capable of addressing those issues. Our brief was to design initiatives that could be delivered using voluntary support or with little or no capital outlay. Advice ranged from rejuvenating the local traders association and creating a platform for local business development projects through to creating devices that linked local tourism destinations with the town centre in order to drive up footfall.
As the strategy was signed off many of the projects and programmes had already begun to be delivered. At a recent public meeting we were flattered to be described as having ‘seen the town through a fresh pair of eyes and giving it a jolly good kick up the backside!’.
Specific services:
Social, economic and property market research comparing Aylsham with other market towns in the region
Consultation with the local community, businesses and key stakeholders
Project team organisation and design
Identification of issues inhibiting local economic growth
Creation of a suite of tailored economic development and regeneration projects designed to address specific weaknesses with the town
Creation of a new vision for the town and inputs to accompanying marketing material
Preparation of funding applications for the DEFRA Rural Growth Network programme and DCLG Portas Pilot programme
Outputs:
Established a successful and sustainable Town Team
Regeneration and Delivery Strategy
Practical guidance on implementing individual projects
Prepared a number of funding applications
Revitalisation and re-launch of local business group as Aylsham Business and Enterprise Forum
Creation of facebook page for community consultation
On-going support with the delivery of specific projects such as improved signage, linking major attractions, improving gateways and addressing issues in the Market Place.