On 23rdOctober 2012 the Department of Communities and Local Government announced that Weymouth was one of 326 successful applications from across the country to become a Town Team Partner as part of the wider national campaign to revitalise our town centres.
The Partner programme includes a special support package from the Association of Town Centre Management aimed at promoting best practices and shared learning from retail experts and town teams across the country.
Town Team Partners will also receive a grant of £10,000 to help develop a 5-year strategy supported by a small number of pilot projects to bring life, culture and growth back to our town centre.
The strategy will be based on close consultation with local resident and business communities to secure their involvement and develop a range of ideas to achieve quick wins and early successes. There are many innovative ideas being developed in town centres throughout the country, such as the concept of clusters for specialist retail activity, a focus for street art and busking, night markets and community gardens. This shared learning from other towns will all be part of the consultation process.
Equally, Weymouth has a unique location, a vibrant events’ programme and strong partnership networks which will allow it to use this seed funding to help build a real momentum for the wider regeneration of the town centre in future years.
Nigel Reed, Chairman of Weymouth BID Ltd said: “This funding provides a great opportunity to link the Weymouth BID and its work with other partners who can contribute in making Weymouth Town a successful and vibrant place. The experience on offer to Weymouth from tried and tested projects elsewhere will be an invaluable benefit.”
Businesses are encouraged to register their interest in the Weymouth BID with Nigel Reed on 07557 142906 or more information is available at www.weymouthbid.co.uk
