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What have we discovered about this theme? |
General Findings
TCM projects cannot exist in isolation. Project goals and initiatives need to be reinforced by the technical and financial resources of local planning authorities or other agencies. Effective TCM projects go beyond ‘janitorial’ improvements by forming partnerships between the public, private and voluntary sectors to improve a centre’s competitive potential (see ‘Partnership’ component). Often the project will act as a reinforcing factor within the overall marketing and promotion package for the town.
Essential Aspects
It is crucial for a TCM project to strike a balance between ambitiousness and timeliness. On one hand, having too high an ambition could mean that important deadlines are not met. If this happens, the project’s credibility is reduced in the eyes of residents. On the other hand, trying to rush into goals will reduce the quality and overall sustainability of the project.
Co-operation through partnership is another key aspect to this theme (see ‘Partnership’ component). The involvement of community members and local service providers will allow the community to take ownership in the project. It will also contribute to the success of the project, and justify its application. Resolving conflicts and competition between different land uses is a crucial role for planners and town centre managers. It is normally acceptable to make town centres denser than the suburbs and accommodate a range of uses. Town centres are assets, not liabilities, so partnerships must work to improve their offer by diversifying the attractions, coping with the car, creating a sense of place, and resourcing town centre initiatives such as special maintenance regimes, better policing, events and festivals etc.
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