It’s just lovely to sit and watch #streetart or art installations do their work for a town centre…!
Seeing people having their photo taken in front – often, hopefully, for onward use on their social media;
Hearing parents explain to accompanying children that it’s part of a trail they’ll go on and see the next of;
Clicking on a link or QR code to find out more of the story behind the art or the place itself.
It explains why making more of arts & crafts, creative, culture, community are always part of our ‘next steps’ for places we’re working with on tackling #highstreet vacancy…
…because they can attract in new or different audiences, extend dwell time and encourage visitors to parts of the town or city centre they might otherwise not get to.
And of course, in a cheeringly increasing number of cases, directly help to reduce the number of empties too by taking on a unit themselves, maybe popup to start with, going on to longer term.
The images examples are all from an enjoyable and insightful visit to Poole town centre, to catch up on the tackling vacancy and wider #placemaking work they’re doing.
As ever it’d be great to hear how these kinds of projects and initiatives are making a difference in your place…
