The Town Team pilot scheme is under way

DISTRICT Administrator David Forde explained the ‘ Town Team’ to members at last week’s meeting.

In recent years Bray Town Council led a number of initiatives such as the Town Rejuvenation Project, Bray Litter Task Force and Bray Economic Think Tank. All of these initiatives were aimed at enhancing the town and stimulating economic activity.

After much discussion it was decided that the obvious next step for Bray Municipal District Council was to consider the formation of a Town Team - based on a concept proposed by the UK Retail Expert, Mary Portas.

The council is piloting the new initiative which follows the UK standard. This was rolled out by the leading town centre management professionals, the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM). Bray Town Centre secured the prestigious Purple Flag accreditation in 2014 and successfully renewed it in 2015. Funding will be made available for feasible approved projects that are identified by the Town Team.

Example projects that could be undertaken under this Town Team initiative include: A comprehensive and free listing for every business within the district on ‘Bray.ie’; identifying pilot projects on town performance; a business plan for Bray; building appearances, car parking incentives, and more. One of the primary objectives of the Town Team initiative is to encourage more collaboration and cooperation between the local authority and the business community.

Part of the Town Team process will involve developing a business plan for Bray and ensuring unity of message and strategy for the town – in essence one voice from one team for our town. At the team’s recent meeting in March 2016 they discussed items across the following four areas:- Marketing & Promotion; Infrastructure & Public Realm; Festival & Events, and Business Development.