Paisley ‘can lead Scots towns forward’
Pledge as town hall hosts development seminar
Almost 200 stakeholders in town regeneration and development from the public, private, third sectors will gather in Paisley today.
They will discuss key challenges and opportunities for the future of the country’s urban places.
The Scotland’s Towns Partnership event is being co- hosted by Renfrewshire Council and Paisley 2021 as it bids to become UK City of Culture.
Attendees at the sell-out event will hear from leading professionals from Scotland and abroad, including Kevin Stewart MSP, Scottish Government minister for local government and housing, and Jean Cameron of Paisley 2021.
Delegates at Paisley Town Hall will also take part in ‘town labs’ with senior experts from BT Scotland, CityFibre and VisitScotland, who will provide advice and insight on key challenges for “Digital Future-Proofing” and “Town Tourism”.
Paisley 2021 bid director Jean Cameron said: “We are delighted to be hosting the Scotland’s Towns Partnership Conference here in Paisley for another year.
“Paisley is known throughout the world thanks to our textile heritage and the pattern which carries our name – and that global outlook complements the work STP is doing to help develop a World Towns Framework.
“The role of the town is an important issue. Changes in the way people shop have changed the role of town centres everywhere – and Paisley is all too aware of the impact of that. But towns still matter – more than two-thirds of the UK don’t live in a city.
“Our UK City of Culture 2021 bid is part of a wider effort to use our heritage and cultural assets to re-imagine our high street and reinvent our future – by harnessing the power of our internationally-significant story, and the creativity which is, and always has been, in Paisley’s DNA.
“In doing so we hope we can show the way for towns everywhere – and hosting this conference will be a great way to share ideas and showcase what Paisley can offer to others.”
The conference aims to help participants to connect with others working in the field, as well as to share best practice and shape responses to common challenges.
This gathering will examine how to embrace the heritage of individual towns and how protect and promote it.
Special features of this year’s conference also include the announcement of the winner of the inaugural Scotland’s Most Beautiful High Street competition, and the opportunity to view and vote on the exhibition shortlist for the annual FutureTown Design Competition.
Phil Prentice, chief officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership, told the Paisley Daily Express: “This year’s conference comes at a critical moment for our towns.
“Economic and social changes, from online shopping to demographic shifts, continue to impact town centres and urban communities. However there are also growing opportunities – for example to harness local heritage, tourism and digital technologies to promote social, cultural and economic wellbeing.
“Therefore, this year we welcome delegates and leading national and international speakers to discuss the future history of Scotland’s towns.
“We look forward to learning about new and innovative developments, sharing best practice, and helping to shape positive action; ensuring that our diverse towns continue to flourish in changing times for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.”