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21st Century Towns

                                                                               Mobilising for change
                                                                               Fostering Resilience
                                                                               Place Identity and Character
                                                                               Built Heritage
                                                                               Life between Buildings
                                                                               Creativity and Culture
                                                                               Sustainable Economies




A presentation to Carlow Town Council on the town centre design workshop co-
ordinated by Icecream Architecture and Meme Architecture & Design in October
2011 and the resultant report prepared by Icecream Architecture.

Emma Geoghegan
Meme Architecture & Design, Carlow
                                                                                                    www.meme.ie
Place Matters
                     A creative design charette with
Date:                Carlow Town Centre Traders Association
19th October
                     As part of the nationwide travelling ‘Architectural Circus’
Time:                project, a creative community workshop exploring the
5.30 pm - 8.30 pm    latent potential of the everyday spaces and places of
                     the town centre, will happen in Carlow during October.
Venue:               The workshop will be an open inclusive event to seek
Reddys, Tullow St,   local views and arrive at ideas through discussion,
                     collaboration and creativity.
Carlow
                     Every place matters, and the intention of this workshop
                     is to foster and encourage a critical awareness of what
                     makes a successful place. At the heart of any successful
                     response to the challenges facing our town centres
                     must be a recognition of the uniqueness of place and
                     that distinctive places are created and shaped by
                     those who use them. Examples of strategies adopted
                     in other towns will be discussed and explored. This is
                     an opportunity to collaboratively ‘map’ the assets of
                     Carlow town centre and discuss shared aspirations for
                     it as a place to live and work.
                     At this stage we are seeking interested parties to get
                     involved in order to achieve the most from this event. For
                     more details contact Des at des@icecreamarchitecture.
                     com or Emma at emma@meme.ie and 087 9601135




                                                                                   www.meme.ie
Carlow Historic Core   Carlow 1948




                                     www.meme.ie
Carlow 2012




              www.meme.ie
www.meme.ie
Identity                                                                                                                   Identity
                                                                                                                           Connectivity
                                                                                                                           Public Realm
                                                                                                                           Trading Realm
                                       “once you get to Carlow                                                             Process
                                           it’s attractive to stay
                                           here compared with
                                        other towns, but active
                                       marketing about Carlow
                                      could improve its image”
                                     It was agreed that Carlow has long been regarded as a market town, to which
                                     inhabitants from the surrounding area would come in order to trade and
                                     socialize. The central heart of the town has been Tullow St with a focus of trade
                                     surrounding the Potato Market. Traditionally the town centre was dominated by
                                     family run business’ that lived closeby and offered local products and services.

                                     Today, the town centre hosts very few local residents, with the majority of those
                                     being ageing or elderly. Many traders believe Carlow’s town-centre has become
                                     a ‘night-spot’ that caters more for socializing than a trading clientele. The shift
                                     from trade to leisure offerings in the centre of town was a cause for concern for
                                     some participants who felt that the centre needed to maintain a mix of qualities.




     The town centre should be
        known for its local trade
  whilst also offering a dynamic
         area for various leisure
    opportunities. The Farmers
  Market (left) and the diversity
   of shops and leisure venues
  (right) are positive influences
     on the vibrancy of Carlow’s
                          Identity


                                     The group agreed that Carlow is regarded as a safe town in which visitors who
                                     find it attractive are encouraged to stay. There was believed to be a healthy
                                     balance between localised comfort and outward thinking among inhabitants.
                                     Carlow needs to promote the positives that exist within the town. Aspirations
                                     and progressive ideas need to be collated into an identifiable direction that is
                                     actioned by a collaboration of governance, town traders, residents, students
                                     and college staff, community groups, local creatives and tradespeople.


                                                                                                                                           www.meme.ie
ACTION FOR MARKET TOWNS www.towns.org.uk




                                           www.meme.ie
Diversity matters for local economic resilience. Locally rooted, independent
retailers relate differently to the communities they serve. In economic
terms, more of the money spent in them is liable to stay and re-circulate
in the local area. They are more likely to support other local businesses
too, rather than procuring the goods and services they need from other
remote national and international suppliers. In difficult times, locally rooted
stores are also more likely to go to greater lengths to remain open, doing
whatever they can to keep trading. (NEF, Re-imagining our High Streets)




                                                                                  www.meme.ie
www.incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk




                    www.meme.ie
www.meme.ie
Connectivity




               10m   50m   100m




               www.meme.ie
Public Realm    “If you asked people twenty years ago why they came into the city,
               they would have said it was to shop. But if you ask them today, they
               would say it was because they wanted to go into town” Jan Gehl




                                                                                      www.meme.ie
Trading Realm

                                     “Carlow needs to physically unify all its
                                     trading areas and then signpost and
                                     enliven the routes between them”




                                     With the opening of Carlow Shopping Centre and most recently the Fairgreen
                                     Shopping Centre in 2003; trade has expanded beyond the initial town centre
                                     district of Tullow St, Kennedy Avenue and the Potato Market. This expansion
                                     and the availability of accessible parking has created a shift in trading activity
                                     towards the shopping centre and has had a knock on effect on the vibrancy
                                     and appeal of the traditional trading areas. In order to encourage an integrated
                                     consumer experience that promotes a cohesive trading realm; shopping routes
                                     need to be encouraged between the main nodal points of trade. Signage and
                                     guided routes should direct shoppers between these areas and dormant spaces
                                     that disjoint these paths should be enlivened to create a progression from one
                                     space to the next.




    The trading area has grown
      and shifted from the town
       centre without cohesive
       planning. The shopping
      centres (below) and main
         streets (above) should
       compliment each others
                     individuality




                                                                                                                          www.meme.ie
06                                                                                                                               {        The 100 best towns and cities in Ireland
                                                                                                                                                                                                 }
        MEDIA PARTNERS   RETAIL PARTNERS




                                                                                                                                                                                                                   The
                                                                                                                                                                                                      MEDIA PARTNERS     RETAIL PARTNERS




Ireland’s Top 25 towns
                The results are in
       With the results                     Town / City        County        Total       Total     Citizen    Citizen   Stakeholder   Stakeholder   A closer look
     in from the Retail                                                      Score       Rank     Score (%)    Rank      Score (%)       Rank       With a total score of 85.61 per cent, Westport
                                                                                                                                                    finished top of the Retail Excellence

    Excellence Ireland                      Westport
                                            Killarney
                                                               Mayo
                                                               Kerry
                                                                           85.61%
                                                                           84.58%
                                                                                           1
                                                                                           2
                                                                                                  87.62%
                                                                                                  87.89%
                                                                                                                2
                                                                                                                1
                                                                                                                         80.93%
                                                                                                                         76.84%
                                                                                                                                           2
                                                                                                                                           8
                                                                                                                                                    Ireland (REI) ‘100 Best Towns and Cities
                                                                                                                                                    in Ireland’ survey. But what is it about the

      ‘100 Best Towns                       Swords
                                            Ashbourne
                                                              Dublin
                                                               Meath
                                                                           83.92%
                                                                           82.28%
                                                                                           3
                                                                                           4
                                                                                                  85.21%
                                                                                                  84.58%
                                                                                                                3
                                                                                                                4
                                                                                                                         80.91%
                                                                                                                         76.89%
                                                                                                                                           3
                                                                                                                                           7
                                                                                                                                                    Co Mayo town that makes it so special?
                                                                                                                                                    Citizens and stakeholders of each town and

  and Cities in Ireland’                    Dungarvan
                                            Carrickmacross
                                                             Waterford
                                                             Monaghan
                                                                           80.40%
                                                                           80.10%
                                                                                           5
                                                                                           6
                                                                                                  81.77%
                                                                                                  78.36%
                                                                                                                5
                                                                                                               11
                                                                                                                         77.20%
                                                                                                                         84.15%
                                                                                                                                           6
                                                                                                                                           1
                                                                                                                                                    city were asked to take part in a survey.
                                                                                                                                                    In the survey they were requested to rate

     survey, Westport                       Clonakilty
                                            Malahide
                                                               Cork
                                                               Dublin
                                                                           79.31%
                                                                           78.07%
                                                                                           7
                                                                                           8
                                                                                                  78.90%
                                                                                                  79.11%
                                                                                                               10
                                                                                                                9
                                                                                                                         80.25%
                                                                                                                         75.65%
                                                                                                                                           4
                                                                                                                                          10
                                                                                                                                                    their town or city by variables from one
                                                                                                                                                    to five (one meaning strongly disagreeing

  was handed the title                                                                                                                                                                                         Best towns and cities in Ireland
                                            Skerries          Dublin       78.06%          9      79.27%        7        75.25%           12        with the question asked and five meaning
                                            Listowel           Kerry       77.55%         10      79.15%        8        73.82%           13        strongly agreeing with it). Amongst the

       of Ireland’s best                    Kilkenny City
                                            Castleknock
                                                             Kilkenny
                                                               Dublin
                                                                           76.54%
                                                                           76.50%
                                                                                          11
                                                                                          12
                                                                                                  75.24%
                                                                                                  77.76%
                                                                                                               15
                                                                                                               12
                                                                                                                         79.59%
                                                                                                                         73.57%
                                                                                                                                           5
                                                                                                                                          14
                                                                                                                                                    variables under focus were car parking,
                                                                                                                                                    presentation, safety and town identity.

        town. But what                      Tramore
                                            Galway City
                                                             Waterford
                                                              Galway
                                                                           75.06%
                                                                           75.02%
                                                                                          13
                                                                                          14
                                                                                                  80.51%
                                                                                                  77.31%
                                                                                                                6
                                                                                                               14
                                                                                                                         62.33%
                                                                                                                         69.69%
                                                                                                                                          58
                                                                                                                                          19
                                                                                                                                                       When the results came in, REI turned the
                                                                                                                                                    average response into a percentage. In other

      makes Westport                        Tullamore
                                            Wexford
                                                               Offaly
                                                              Wexford
                                                                           74.48%
                                                                           74.04%
                                                                                          15
                                                                                          16
                                                                                                  77.63%
                                                                                                  73.40%
                                                                                                               13
                                                                                                               21
                                                                                                                         67.13%
                                                                                                                         75.54%
                                                                                                                                          35
                                                                                                                                          11
                                                                                                                                                    words; 100 per cent indicates a total yes for
                                                                                                                                                    a question and zero per cent indicates a total

    different and how                       Ratoath
                                            CarrickonShan.
                                                              Meath
                                                              Leitrim
                                                                           73.99%
                                                                           73.00%
                                                                                          17
                                                                                          18
                                                                                                  72.98%
                                                                                                  74.17%
                                                                                                               23
                                                                                                               18
                                                                                                                         76.34%
                                                                                                                         70.27%
                                                                                                                                           9
                                                                                                                                          17
                                                                                                                                                    no. In that context, Westport’s 85.61 per cent
                                                                                                                                                    is a very positive overall response indeed.

       did REI arrive at                    Cobh
                                            Kinsale
                                                               Cork
                                                                Cork
                                                                           71.80%
                                                                           71.45%
                                                                                          19
                                                                                          20
                                                                                                  74.06%
                                                                                                  72.75%
                                                                                                               19
                                                                                                               24
                                                                                                                         66.52%
                                                                                                                         68.43%
                                                                                                                                          43
                                                                                                                                          25

          their decision?                   Monaghan
                                            Midleton
                                                             Monaghan
                                                                Cork
                                                                           71.34%
                                                                           71.21%
                                                                                          21
                                                                                          22
                                                                                                  74.38%
                                                                                                  72.53%
                                                                                                               17
                                                                                                               26
                                                                                                                         64.24%
                                                                                                                         68.13%
                                                                                                                                          50
                                                                                                                                          27
                                                                                                                                                       Key Questions
                                            Cork City          Cork        70.78%         23      72.08%       27        67.74%           30           1 Is there an abundant number of
                                            Letterkenny       Donegal      70.77%         24      73.41%       20        64.61%           48             car parking spaces available?
                                            Carlow            Carlow       70.47%         25      74.38%       16        61.33%           65
                                                                                                                                                       2 Is car parking competitively priced?

                                                                                                                                                       3 Has the town/city a unique and
                                           Understanding the results                             Retail                                                  attractive streetscape?
                                           Each of the Top 25 towns benefits from a              The survey made some very interesting
                                           balanced retail mix of multiple retailers.            discoveries. Firstly, it found that dining            4 Is this town/city well presented
                                           This drives footfall to the town. They also           and entertainment play an important role                and maintained?
                                           benefit from independent retailers which              in any town or city, especially for male
                                           give the town character and personality.              customers. It also showed that customers              5 Has this town/city a large number of
                                           Crucially, each town scored highly in                 plan their shopping trips from home more                quality retail stores to choose from?
                                           important ‘peace of mind’ aspects such as             than from their place of work or education.
                                           safety, security and family friendliness.                Mature customers are more engaged                  6 Has this town/city a large number of
                                              Many of the Top 25 towns have also                 with the streetscape and presentation                   quality restaurants & pubs to choose from?
                                           competed successfully in the Tidy                     than their younger counterparts, while
                                           Towns competition, something which                    citizens living in commuter towns are less            7 Is there a lot to do and see
                                           generally demonstrates that there is a                engaged with their town centre. Due to                  in this town/city?
                                           collaborative spirit within the town.                 this lack of engagement the report claims
                                              None of the towns have been exposed                that customers in commuter towns are less             8 Do you feel safe and secure when
                                           to significant out-of-town planning,                  likely to shop and dine in their town.                  you visit this town/city?
                                           thus much of the commercial activity                     The report has also found that promotional
                                           is confined to the town centre.                       and event-based activity will drive local             9 Is this town/city family friendly?
                                                                                                 citizens to visit provincial towns and
                                           Understanding the data                                cities. Such activity will have far less effect       10 Is this town/city my first choice
                                           There were many key factors which                     in commuter and suburban towns.                          destination for shopping?
                                           determined why each of the Top 25 towns
                                           were a cut above the rest. The report                 Car parking                                           11 Is this town/city my first choice
                                           has found that with the exception of                  Car parking availability and price is an                 destination for dining & entertainment?

         Visit
                                           where you live, the fundamental driver                important determinant of a town visit,
                     e.ie                  of customers to a town is the standard                especially for those travelling 11-20km.              12 Are there many events and promotions
            xcellenc                       of the mix of retail units there.                     Frequent shoppers rate car parking
   w.retaile I Town
                                                                                                                                                          being run in this town/city?
                                                                                                 availability as an important factor in
ww                                         The report outlined a
           he RE                                                                                 their choice of town, while less frequent             13 Does this town/city have a
 to read t nagement                                                                              shoppers (once every two weeks) rate car                 unique and positive image?

       ity Ma                              number of key factors                                 parking price as an important determinant.
 and C           rk
                                                                                                 Middle-aged people are most engaged
                                                                                                                                                       Understanding
        Framewo
                                           Safety                                                with the subjects of car parking price and
                                           The survey found that suburban towns are
                                           viewed by citizens as the safest places to
                                                                                                 availability as, on average, they’re more car-
                                                                                                 dependant than younger and older citizens.            the Data
                                           live. Provincial towns rated second while               Customers in provincial towns are                   n The national town and city average
                                           commuter towns came third. REI notes                  more likely to visit that town if car                 n Town or city results

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           www.meme.ie
                                           that it’s “not surprising to see that cities          parking is reasonably priced, accessible
                                           have been rated as the most unsafe”.                  and if the standard of retailer is good.
Vacant Units




               Meanwhile Uses   www.meme.ie
Process so far:

                                                 - Consult with potential start-ups and
                                                 organisations about who needs what to get
                                                 started (left: Ideas Bakery)
                                                 - Develop relationships with all relevant
                                                 stakeholders
                                                 - Secure an incubator space on the High Street
                                                 (below: Empty Tax Office)
                                                 - Crowd Fund Sourcing and Grant Applications
                                                 - Engage with existing businesses to include
                                                 their support, resources and knowledge




Aims:
- Develop an incubator hub for start-up
businesses
- Broker high-street spaces for temporary
trading with support and incentives
- Create studio spaces for creative industries
- Provide signposting to business support and
develop mentor scheme
- Develop a showcase of Stirling’s produce for
tourists and potential investors




                                                                                                  www.meme.ie
Process:

                                                    - Seed funding (£5k) from Council
                                                    - Negotiated peppercorn rent from landlord
                                                    - Rates covered by Council through C.I.C.
                                                    - Garnered donated support from local businesses
                                                      (plumbing,electrical,signage,supply of wood)
                                                    - Open call for participants who paid nominal rent
                                                    - Artist’s manned the shop
                                                    - Icecream Architecture delivered facilitatory role




Outcomes:

- Initial pop-up shop is now permanent

- Reuse of empty shop unit

- Brought creative community together

- Provided a platform for retail of artist’s work




                                                                                                          www.meme.ie
“small interventions should encourage
Process                                                        Westport - Town Architect, Community Groups
                                                                                                     change; with concerts and family events to
                                                                                                     promote a sense of community in the town
                                                                                                     centre”
                                                                                                     There was acceptance that Carlow has been expanding for the past 20 years
                                                                                                     and that now, with uncertain growth in the near future, there is an essential op-
                                                                                                     portunity to set down a direction for the coming 5-15 years. The many commu-
                                                                                                     nities of Carlow need to be brought together in order to develop an integral and
                                                                                                     considered plan that ensures the town continues to progress through economic
               Dundalk - Town Centre Manager                                                         difficulties.
               BID/Autonomous                                                                                                Kinsale - Transition Town


                                                                                                     “Carlow as a whole, needs to come to-
                                                                                                     gether and create aspirations, progressive
                                                                                                     ideas and forward thinking proposals”
                                                                                                   This planning process should coincide with a simultaneous schedule of events
                                                                   Stirling - Community Interest Corporation CIC that encourage signs of life within the town. The ongoing plan
                                                                                                   and milestones
                                                                                                   should be reflected through these events and in turn the milestones can act as
                                                                                                   a benchmark to ascertain the successes and challenges of the overall process.

          “there should be increased dialogue and
          communication between the Town Council,
          the Traders Group and other community
                                                                                                       Ambitions for the Process
          bodies”
                                                                                                       -     communication is constant between governance and community
          The process of change implementation was discussed in detail during the work-
                                                                                                             bodies
          shop. It was felt that a fully democratic and inclusive process of participatory
          consultation should be developed between the Local Authority and all who care                -     a cohesion strategy and framework has been produced to guide
          about the future success of the town. It was felt that perhaps local interest                      development
          groups, such as the Town Traders should be more proactive in making pro-
          posals for change. This may assist in developing a progressive and forward
          thinking dialogue between these parties. It was felt that the Town Council could             -     Carlow’s identity has evolved from small interventions involving
          articulate whether there is a plan or aspiration for the future identity of Carlow                 strengthened relationships and incremental community driven needs
          Centre and Tullow Street in particular.

          While the scale of the challenge appears daunting and the current economic
          context prohibitive, it was acknowledged that small scale incremental changes
          and interventions could have a very positive effect on the character and identity
          of the town.




                                                                                                                                                                       www.meme.ie
Critical Success Factors for successful towns*

Building on local comparative advantages

Promoting a sense of place (history, culture, and regional cultural landscapes)

Promoting rhythm and seasonality

Promoting local products

Promoting outdoor activity

Promoting third places - social life of the town

Taking care of the physical fabric of the town (including conservation measures, improving pedestrian access, establishing
open green spaces with more trees, fewer hard surfaces, and consolidation of cars and parking)

Promoting eco-friendly behaviours and investing in environmentally sensible infrastructure

Being attentive to the needs of locals and newcomers and visitors

Finding sustainable ways to make long term investments in the community’s social, economic and environmental
infrastructure




* Heike Mayer, Paul Knox (Small Town Sustainability, Economic, Social and Environmental Innovation)




                                                                                                           www.meme.ie

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21st Century Towns

  • 1. 21st Century Towns Mobilising for change Fostering Resilience Place Identity and Character Built Heritage Life between Buildings Creativity and Culture Sustainable Economies A presentation to Carlow Town Council on the town centre design workshop co- ordinated by Icecream Architecture and Meme Architecture & Design in October 2011 and the resultant report prepared by Icecream Architecture. Emma Geoghegan Meme Architecture & Design, Carlow www.meme.ie
  • 2. Place Matters A creative design charette with Date: Carlow Town Centre Traders Association 19th October As part of the nationwide travelling ‘Architectural Circus’ Time: project, a creative community workshop exploring the 5.30 pm - 8.30 pm latent potential of the everyday spaces and places of the town centre, will happen in Carlow during October. Venue: The workshop will be an open inclusive event to seek Reddys, Tullow St, local views and arrive at ideas through discussion, collaboration and creativity. Carlow Every place matters, and the intention of this workshop is to foster and encourage a critical awareness of what makes a successful place. At the heart of any successful response to the challenges facing our town centres must be a recognition of the uniqueness of place and that distinctive places are created and shaped by those who use them. Examples of strategies adopted in other towns will be discussed and explored. This is an opportunity to collaboratively ‘map’ the assets of Carlow town centre and discuss shared aspirations for it as a place to live and work. At this stage we are seeking interested parties to get involved in order to achieve the most from this event. For more details contact Des at des@icecreamarchitecture. com or Emma at emma@meme.ie and 087 9601135 www.meme.ie
  • 3. Carlow Historic Core Carlow 1948 www.meme.ie
  • 4. Carlow 2012 www.meme.ie
  • 6. Identity Identity Connectivity Public Realm Trading Realm “once you get to Carlow Process it’s attractive to stay here compared with other towns, but active marketing about Carlow could improve its image” It was agreed that Carlow has long been regarded as a market town, to which inhabitants from the surrounding area would come in order to trade and socialize. The central heart of the town has been Tullow St with a focus of trade surrounding the Potato Market. Traditionally the town centre was dominated by family run business’ that lived closeby and offered local products and services. Today, the town centre hosts very few local residents, with the majority of those being ageing or elderly. Many traders believe Carlow’s town-centre has become a ‘night-spot’ that caters more for socializing than a trading clientele. The shift from trade to leisure offerings in the centre of town was a cause for concern for some participants who felt that the centre needed to maintain a mix of qualities. The town centre should be known for its local trade whilst also offering a dynamic area for various leisure opportunities. The Farmers Market (left) and the diversity of shops and leisure venues (right) are positive influences on the vibrancy of Carlow’s Identity The group agreed that Carlow is regarded as a safe town in which visitors who find it attractive are encouraged to stay. There was believed to be a healthy balance between localised comfort and outward thinking among inhabitants. Carlow needs to promote the positives that exist within the town. Aspirations and progressive ideas need to be collated into an identifiable direction that is actioned by a collaboration of governance, town traders, residents, students and college staff, community groups, local creatives and tradespeople. www.meme.ie
  • 7. ACTION FOR MARKET TOWNS www.towns.org.uk www.meme.ie
  • 8. Diversity matters for local economic resilience. Locally rooted, independent retailers relate differently to the communities they serve. In economic terms, more of the money spent in them is liable to stay and re-circulate in the local area. They are more likely to support other local businesses too, rather than procuring the goods and services they need from other remote national and international suppliers. In difficult times, locally rooted stores are also more likely to go to greater lengths to remain open, doing whatever they can to keep trading. (NEF, Re-imagining our High Streets) www.meme.ie
  • 11. Connectivity 10m 50m 100m www.meme.ie
  • 12. Public Realm “If you asked people twenty years ago why they came into the city, they would have said it was to shop. But if you ask them today, they would say it was because they wanted to go into town” Jan Gehl www.meme.ie
  • 13. Trading Realm “Carlow needs to physically unify all its trading areas and then signpost and enliven the routes between them” With the opening of Carlow Shopping Centre and most recently the Fairgreen Shopping Centre in 2003; trade has expanded beyond the initial town centre district of Tullow St, Kennedy Avenue and the Potato Market. This expansion and the availability of accessible parking has created a shift in trading activity towards the shopping centre and has had a knock on effect on the vibrancy and appeal of the traditional trading areas. In order to encourage an integrated consumer experience that promotes a cohesive trading realm; shopping routes need to be encouraged between the main nodal points of trade. Signage and guided routes should direct shoppers between these areas and dormant spaces that disjoint these paths should be enlivened to create a progression from one space to the next. The trading area has grown and shifted from the town centre without cohesive planning. The shopping centres (below) and main streets (above) should compliment each others individuality www.meme.ie
  • 14. 06 { The 100 best towns and cities in Ireland } MEDIA PARTNERS RETAIL PARTNERS The MEDIA PARTNERS RETAIL PARTNERS Ireland’s Top 25 towns The results are in With the results Town / City County Total Total Citizen Citizen Stakeholder Stakeholder A closer look in from the Retail Score Rank Score (%) Rank Score (%) Rank With a total score of 85.61 per cent, Westport finished top of the Retail Excellence Excellence Ireland Westport Killarney Mayo Kerry 85.61% 84.58% 1 2 87.62% 87.89% 2 1 80.93% 76.84% 2 8 Ireland (REI) ‘100 Best Towns and Cities in Ireland’ survey. But what is it about the ‘100 Best Towns Swords Ashbourne Dublin Meath 83.92% 82.28% 3 4 85.21% 84.58% 3 4 80.91% 76.89% 3 7 Co Mayo town that makes it so special? Citizens and stakeholders of each town and and Cities in Ireland’ Dungarvan Carrickmacross Waterford Monaghan 80.40% 80.10% 5 6 81.77% 78.36% 5 11 77.20% 84.15% 6 1 city were asked to take part in a survey. In the survey they were requested to rate survey, Westport Clonakilty Malahide Cork Dublin 79.31% 78.07% 7 8 78.90% 79.11% 10 9 80.25% 75.65% 4 10 their town or city by variables from one to five (one meaning strongly disagreeing was handed the title Best towns and cities in Ireland Skerries Dublin 78.06% 9 79.27% 7 75.25% 12 with the question asked and five meaning Listowel Kerry 77.55% 10 79.15% 8 73.82% 13 strongly agreeing with it). Amongst the of Ireland’s best Kilkenny City Castleknock Kilkenny Dublin 76.54% 76.50% 11 12 75.24% 77.76% 15 12 79.59% 73.57% 5 14 variables under focus were car parking, presentation, safety and town identity. town. But what Tramore Galway City Waterford Galway 75.06% 75.02% 13 14 80.51% 77.31% 6 14 62.33% 69.69% 58 19 When the results came in, REI turned the average response into a percentage. In other makes Westport Tullamore Wexford Offaly Wexford 74.48% 74.04% 15 16 77.63% 73.40% 13 21 67.13% 75.54% 35 11 words; 100 per cent indicates a total yes for a question and zero per cent indicates a total different and how Ratoath CarrickonShan. Meath Leitrim 73.99% 73.00% 17 18 72.98% 74.17% 23 18 76.34% 70.27% 9 17 no. In that context, Westport’s 85.61 per cent is a very positive overall response indeed. did REI arrive at Cobh Kinsale Cork Cork 71.80% 71.45% 19 20 74.06% 72.75% 19 24 66.52% 68.43% 43 25 their decision? Monaghan Midleton Monaghan Cork 71.34% 71.21% 21 22 74.38% 72.53% 17 26 64.24% 68.13% 50 27 Key Questions Cork City Cork 70.78% 23 72.08% 27 67.74% 30 1 Is there an abundant number of Letterkenny Donegal 70.77% 24 73.41% 20 64.61% 48 car parking spaces available? Carlow Carlow 70.47% 25 74.38% 16 61.33% 65 2 Is car parking competitively priced? 3 Has the town/city a unique and Understanding the results Retail attractive streetscape? Each of the Top 25 towns benefits from a The survey made some very interesting balanced retail mix of multiple retailers. discoveries. Firstly, it found that dining 4 Is this town/city well presented This drives footfall to the town. They also and entertainment play an important role and maintained? benefit from independent retailers which in any town or city, especially for male give the town character and personality. customers. It also showed that customers 5 Has this town/city a large number of Crucially, each town scored highly in plan their shopping trips from home more quality retail stores to choose from? important ‘peace of mind’ aspects such as than from their place of work or education. safety, security and family friendliness. Mature customers are more engaged 6 Has this town/city a large number of Many of the Top 25 towns have also with the streetscape and presentation quality restaurants & pubs to choose from? competed successfully in the Tidy than their younger counterparts, while Towns competition, something which citizens living in commuter towns are less 7 Is there a lot to do and see generally demonstrates that there is a engaged with their town centre. Due to in this town/city? collaborative spirit within the town. this lack of engagement the report claims None of the towns have been exposed that customers in commuter towns are less 8 Do you feel safe and secure when to significant out-of-town planning, likely to shop and dine in their town. you visit this town/city? thus much of the commercial activity The report has also found that promotional is confined to the town centre. and event-based activity will drive local 9 Is this town/city family friendly? citizens to visit provincial towns and Understanding the data cities. Such activity will have far less effect 10 Is this town/city my first choice There were many key factors which in commuter and suburban towns. destination for shopping? determined why each of the Top 25 towns were a cut above the rest. The report Car parking 11 Is this town/city my first choice has found that with the exception of Car parking availability and price is an destination for dining & entertainment? Visit where you live, the fundamental driver important determinant of a town visit, e.ie of customers to a town is the standard especially for those travelling 11-20km. 12 Are there many events and promotions xcellenc of the mix of retail units there. Frequent shoppers rate car parking w.retaile I Town being run in this town/city? availability as an important factor in ww The report outlined a he RE their choice of town, while less frequent 13 Does this town/city have a to read t nagement shoppers (once every two weeks) rate car unique and positive image? ity Ma number of key factors parking price as an important determinant. and C rk Middle-aged people are most engaged Understanding Framewo Safety with the subjects of car parking price and The survey found that suburban towns are viewed by citizens as the safest places to availability as, on average, they’re more car- dependant than younger and older citizens. the Data live. Provincial towns rated second while Customers in provincial towns are n The national town and city average commuter towns came third. REI notes more likely to visit that town if car n Town or city results www.meme.ie that it’s “not surprising to see that cities parking is reasonably priced, accessible have been rated as the most unsafe”. and if the standard of retailer is good.
  • 15. Vacant Units Meanwhile Uses www.meme.ie
  • 16. Process so far: - Consult with potential start-ups and organisations about who needs what to get started (left: Ideas Bakery) - Develop relationships with all relevant stakeholders - Secure an incubator space on the High Street (below: Empty Tax Office) - Crowd Fund Sourcing and Grant Applications - Engage with existing businesses to include their support, resources and knowledge Aims: - Develop an incubator hub for start-up businesses - Broker high-street spaces for temporary trading with support and incentives - Create studio spaces for creative industries - Provide signposting to business support and develop mentor scheme - Develop a showcase of Stirling’s produce for tourists and potential investors www.meme.ie
  • 17. Process: - Seed funding (£5k) from Council - Negotiated peppercorn rent from landlord - Rates covered by Council through C.I.C. - Garnered donated support from local businesses (plumbing,electrical,signage,supply of wood) - Open call for participants who paid nominal rent - Artist’s manned the shop - Icecream Architecture delivered facilitatory role Outcomes: - Initial pop-up shop is now permanent - Reuse of empty shop unit - Brought creative community together - Provided a platform for retail of artist’s work www.meme.ie
  • 18. “small interventions should encourage Process Westport - Town Architect, Community Groups change; with concerts and family events to promote a sense of community in the town centre” There was acceptance that Carlow has been expanding for the past 20 years and that now, with uncertain growth in the near future, there is an essential op- portunity to set down a direction for the coming 5-15 years. The many commu- nities of Carlow need to be brought together in order to develop an integral and considered plan that ensures the town continues to progress through economic Dundalk - Town Centre Manager difficulties. BID/Autonomous Kinsale - Transition Town “Carlow as a whole, needs to come to- gether and create aspirations, progressive ideas and forward thinking proposals” This planning process should coincide with a simultaneous schedule of events Stirling - Community Interest Corporation CIC that encourage signs of life within the town. The ongoing plan and milestones should be reflected through these events and in turn the milestones can act as a benchmark to ascertain the successes and challenges of the overall process. “there should be increased dialogue and communication between the Town Council, the Traders Group and other community Ambitions for the Process bodies” - communication is constant between governance and community The process of change implementation was discussed in detail during the work- bodies shop. It was felt that a fully democratic and inclusive process of participatory consultation should be developed between the Local Authority and all who care - a cohesion strategy and framework has been produced to guide about the future success of the town. It was felt that perhaps local interest development groups, such as the Town Traders should be more proactive in making pro- posals for change. This may assist in developing a progressive and forward thinking dialogue between these parties. It was felt that the Town Council could - Carlow’s identity has evolved from small interventions involving articulate whether there is a plan or aspiration for the future identity of Carlow strengthened relationships and incremental community driven needs Centre and Tullow Street in particular. While the scale of the challenge appears daunting and the current economic context prohibitive, it was acknowledged that small scale incremental changes and interventions could have a very positive effect on the character and identity of the town. www.meme.ie
  • 19. Critical Success Factors for successful towns* Building on local comparative advantages Promoting a sense of place (history, culture, and regional cultural landscapes) Promoting rhythm and seasonality Promoting local products Promoting outdoor activity Promoting third places - social life of the town Taking care of the physical fabric of the town (including conservation measures, improving pedestrian access, establishing open green spaces with more trees, fewer hard surfaces, and consolidation of cars and parking) Promoting eco-friendly behaviours and investing in environmentally sensible infrastructure Being attentive to the needs of locals and newcomers and visitors Finding sustainable ways to make long term investments in the community’s social, economic and environmental infrastructure * Heike Mayer, Paul Knox (Small Town Sustainability, Economic, Social and Environmental Innovation) www.meme.ie