Another intriguing element of our tackling vacancy work in Tredegar is the role an historic landmark is playing now and might do going forward.
It’d be really interesting to hear examples from #highstreet #placemaking colleagues of famous features in your town or city centres being drawn into a similar regen conversation.
In Tredegar it’s the clock tower.
Important to start with because 150+ years ago it was created thanks to community initiative and fundraising so an illustration of what local residents can achieve and could maybe do similarly in places today…?
It’s also “a symbolic reminder that the town’s existence and growth was due to the production of iron.”
As for its contribution…
Well it’s an attraction that draws visitors to the town, the crucial footfall and dwell time we need;
It’s a source of ‘pride in place’ – a current government policy and funding buzz phrase;
It’s also sparking #streetart installations in other parts of the town centre like the examples in our image set, including a pottery wall mosaic in a walkway at the heart of Tredegar, created by children at a local school;
And – as our 4th image shows – it’s inspiring shop window art displays by new local businesses.
So what more could be done here to make use of this attractive feature as we get to tackling vacancy ‘next steps’…?
What great ideas are your places deploying that draw on an iconic landmark where you are…?
It’d be great to hear…
