Review of regeneration and delivery strategy projects with present action to date.

Review of ABEF 2012 Projects:

(Each of the issues below has been identified as an area that could be improved)

Issue 1: Gateways

Project 1A: Brown signs at gateways

Progress

Broadland District Council has completed a detailed audit of all streets and gateways. Results will hopefully be presented at next Town Team Meeting which is the 11^th September

Project 1B: A140 roundabout and entrance

Progress

It is understood that the licence (From Norfolk County Council) for the sponsorship of the roundabout has been given to a local business recently. ABEF are still hoping to have town signage and welcome signage on the roundabout to attracted visitors into Alysham.

Issue 2: Linking major attractions

Project 2A: Bus service

Progress

Agreement to the idea in principle from NT, BVR and ACT

Initial discussions with ACT with regards to use of their mini-buses have taken place and they are interested in continuing discussions. Trial period has now been confirmed commencing week the 6^th of August 2012 for 3 weeks. This route will run between Bure Valley Railway and Blickling Hall via town centre.

Full report at each meeting.

Issue 3: Car parking

Project 3A: Parking enforcement

Parking enforcement is now in place.

Project 3B: Increase capacity of existing car parks

Progress

ABEF has been looking at alternative parking for business owners and has secured 8 spaces at the ex-serviceman’s club, still talking to Keys and launched “adopt a driveway scheme”. Where a local residents who is working all day allows a business owner to park on their empty driveway. This has now been launched and we have residents signing up.

Full report at each meeting.

Project 3C: Improve use of public car parks

Progress this project is in the hands of Broadland District Council.

Issue 4: Town centre

Project 4A: Shop signage- Hanging Signs Project

Progress

• in principle support from BDC conservation, ED and planning officers
• This project is well under way with meeting taken place to establish what requirements are needed for e planning and conservation issues and consultation with the bus company has also taken place. Prices for design, making and hanging of signs have been obtained.

Full report at each meeting.

Project 4B: Public realm in town centre

Progress

Discussion and meeting and funding applications are being looked into to deliver

1.        Town centre improvements:

·         Deliver town centre masterplan, by Autumn 2012

·         Undertake de-cluttering, by Autumn 2012

·         Simplify signage, by end 2012

·         Deliver surface improvements and traffic calming, by end 2013

Full report at meeting.

Issue 5: Aylsham Business and Enterprise Forum

Aim: Create and launch the Aylsham Business and Enterprise Forum (ABEF) through the creation of the Aylsham Business Charter – this has been achieved and key projects identified for 2012/2013.

Projects

Car Parking

Consolidated website (working with ATC and other stakeholders)

Branding

Mini bus

Hanging signs

Public realm/Town centre enhancements incl. parking

Events and markets

Additional Projects Identify during meetings

Promote ABEF: There is a need to promote the work being achieved by the ABEF on monthly basics. To look at ways this can be done and costs involved.

Existing Traders website is being update with all ABEF information and can be used as one source to promote our work.

Action: Member required to undertake this is project and report back to meeting.

Towns Offer: It has been identified that we need to improve the perception of the town by residents and visitors i.e. town opening hours, types of shops..........

Ideas being looked at:

Leaflet – BDC print an Aylsham Town leaflet and next run is likely to be in October, the leaflet needs updating and to be re-designed to our requirements.

Action: Member required to undertake this task and report back to meetings with ideas and information for this.

Promotional material – bunting, balloons to help with visual view of Red lion Street and for supporting events like the Festival.

Window Posters – for promotional by members that open on a Wednesday and Saturday afternoon.

JB – Has offered to print the posters

DB – Bunting and balloons

Action: Temporary on hold until Destination Branding is delivered

Town advertising campaign: Radio or magazine? To advertise the benefits of visiting the town, what town has to offer possibly as a whole group rather than one business?

Action: Someone require to look at this and progress

Issue 6: National and international profile

Project 6A: Utilise key existing media to promote Aylsham

Progress

• Liaised with Alastair Sawdays with regards to inclusion within guides. No current plans to re-publish, however agreed that BDC/ATC/ABEF should write a letter to them outlining Aylsham’s case for inclusion should another set of books be published
• They also encouraged accommodation providers to complete joint application and suggested that a discount may be offered to businesses should they join as a bulk lot.

Project 6B: Consolidated internet marketing presence for Aylsham

Progress

Issue 7: Events and activities

Projects 7A: Major events programme

Progress

A yearly town events calendar has been produced for ABEF members detailing what is going on throughout the year.

DB is now a member of Cittaslow committee and Events committee.

Project 7D: Themed markets

Progress

ABEF are organising a Frost Fayre market to coincide with switching on the Christmas lights. This will be a three day event this year with a view to extending next year if all goes well.

A proposal has been created for developing a programme of special markets for Saturdays. Several Cittalsow members have express interest in helping DB with this.

8B: Market pitch scheme

Progress

This is being taken into consideration when planning the programme of events as above.