Activate’s placemaking service works with developers, investors and local authority clients. This includes advising on the regeneration of town centre assets, the repurposing of specific properties and enlivenment of a range of destinations
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Activate acted as consultants during phase one of this project. The objective was to advise on the feasibility of new food led market hall for the scheme and to prepare the initial financial and operational model for consideration, including how the market could act as a anchor for a wider public events programme.
Activate were instructed to support the JV bid for one of the commercial parties bidding to deliver the new vision for the Galleries Shopping Centre. The included engaging with the local community, independent retailer from across the region and the council to support the shaping of the future proposed retail strategy within the BID. The project included working with the wider professional team on the proposed future master plan and associated design requirements.
This project focused on the development of Ffos Caerffilli. with Activate supporting the transformation of an existing retail scheme, into a new modern and dynamic space in Caerphilly. Delivered over a number of phases, Activate’s work included engaging with the existing traders and customers, auditing the existing offer, through to producing a 3-year Business Plan for the new site, comprising; Forecasted income and suggested rent levels, Operational costs, Management options Proposed lease terms and the future Lettings strategy. The team supported the professional team with the design of the scheme and led the development of the retail strategy for the destination.
Working with the Workman Building Consultancy team, Activate are exploring a number of options for an under-used gyratory area, by designing layouts and developing cost plans for new wellbeing, retail and leisure uses.
Activate have been working with the Local Authority and the Park’s occupiers to develop a calendar of seasonal occupier engagement activities on-site. This included exploring options for how current void development land, could be brought back into active use, with options explored including a community hub, pop up leisure facilities, nature trail and a wellness garden.
As part of a wider instruction, Activate had led the ideation and concept development for a new retail and leisure meanwhile use space, potentially to be located on current void land outside the front of the scheme. To be delivered in phases, the instruction has focused on community engagement, outline design work and establishing the viability from a planning and cost perspective. Activate have worked closely with the Workman Building Consultancy and Property Management teams to deliver the project.
Collaborating with the Workman on-site and property management teams is fundamental to the approach we take to deliver placemaking. Key deliverables at St Christopher’s Place include Enlivenment., Social Value, Community Engagement and Destination Marketing.
Activate support the onsite team to develop and implement a comprehensive placemaking programme to enhance the appeal of this business park. Our focus has been on delivering a 12 month program of events which provide unique experiences for occupiers and support key asset management objectives around satisfaction and retention levels.
A back to basic strategy was implemented, where the property was given a unique brand identify, digital platforms and community presence to help increase brand awareness and increase interest from potential occupiers. Activate regularly take part in occupier engagement through a combination of surveys, focus groups and interviews with an assessment of existing amenities.