It’s one of the (many) reasons I love my job…!
Just the variety of elements that went to make up the latest two-day visit for our tackling #highstreet vacancy work in the special town that is Tredegar.
First up. Checking in on progress with the major refresh project for the walkway that’s a key part – along with its shopping centre murals – of the town’s historic role as the birthplace of the NHS;
Talking to a range of local organisations about what a new community hub in one or more of the vacants might look like and the scope for collaboration;
Looking in on a potential venue for the planned #popupshop initiative and wondering if it’d be a fit for an arts & crafts, creative makers collective;
Later a really encouraging hour spent with the local air cadets squadron hearing how they see the town from a young people’s perspective, their ideas for new occupiers in the empty units, and the part they can play individually and as a group in taking the town centre forward;
Next day rolling up the shutters on one of Tredegar’s former butchers and talking through what business types would add to the current mix of indie business here and be its ideal next occupant. Deli maybe…?
Overall, focusing on the vacancy opportunities but also taking in wider #placemaking around street scene, public realm, #streetart & more that can each make a major contribution to our progress. So many good people committed to their town and being a part of the story.
Already looking forward to our next trip…
