Southampton City Centre Projects 2007 - 2008

Strategic Objectives 2007 - 2008:

• Increase the retail, commercial and business development in the city centre.

• Develop the city centre’s individuality by marketing it as a regional centre.

• Facilitate and progress improvements to the physical environment, safety and maintenance of the city centre.

• Improve accessibility for all, both to and within the city centre.

• Improve and develop all aspects of the night time economy.

• Enhance the image of board to increase membership, profile and create a dynamic organisation. This should produce further funding opportunities through events and patronage. This in turn will allow further events/schemes which will again enhance objectives.

Particular projects over the next year will include:

Improving the city centre dynamics - Legible City

Implement identity, information and transportation projects as part of a comprehensive strategy to improve people’s understanding and experience of the city centre.

• Production of a pedestrian map April 07
• Tender for design and manufacturing work for London Road April 07
• Development of products June – Dec 07
• Installation of products on London Road Dec 07

Business Improvement District (BID)

• Set up BID working Group – April 07
• Recruit BID Manager – May 07
• Promote the idea of a BID in Southampton – July 07
• Set up a BID Board – Dec 07
• Research business support in the city centre – Oct 07- March 08

Develop a Communications Strategy

To communicate the city centre’s and City Centre Management’s successes and achievements to the target audiences – Dec 07

Stage markets, events and promotions on the High Street

• Tender for market operators to stage regular and one off markets for a 3 year period – June 07
• Liaise with businesses to ascertain activities that will be supported
• Obtain the necessary permissions to stage events
• Work with operators to stage concerts at the Bargate
• Liaise with Hampshire Farmers Markets

Enhance the Christmas offer in Southampton, making it more attractive for visitors

• Investigate the opportunity to stage an ice rink in the city centre
• Obtain quotations for a bigger and improved German Christmas market on the Precinct – May 07
• Improve the provision of Christmas lights in the city with private sector sponsorship
• Co-ordinate and promote all Christmas activity in the city centre including opening hours, events, car parking, marketing & Christmas lights
• Undertake consultation, organise and co-ordinate events and marketing
• Investigate the provision of music and other entertainment
• Liaise with operators, schools and other providers – Dec 07

Work closely with Tourism and Economic Development

• Review visitor and investor publications
• Ensure representation on BS Board – April 07

Work closely with Business Southampton

• Ensure representation on BS Board – April 07
• Explore ways of partnership working – ongoing

Improve safety and security in the city centre

• Work closely with the Business Crime Manager to increase membership of the scheme and bring on other business sectors

Monitor city centre for antisocial and illegal activity (e.g. beggars and pedlars) and take appropriate action

Pursue convictions of persistent offenders
• Gather evidence of illegal trading
• Co-ordinate action by relevant city council officers and Police.
• Prosecute as appropriate

Night Time Economy

• Continue to implement the strategy to improve and develop the night time economy

Produce and publish a City Centre Health Check

• Publish an annual update of statistics to show the economic health of the city centre
• Co-ordinate collation and publication.
• Distribute to businesses and potential investors