Development Director for the ATCM, Martin Blackwell

Martin Blackwell will discuss Promoting a Town Centre

Mr Blackwell began his presentation by registering his approval of the evening whilst warning against complacency.  It was important, he stated, to offer prospective visitors the right experience rather than claiming to be all things to all men, in the process making unsubstantiated promises that would leave them disappointed.

There was also a need to embrace the possibilities of change, improving the brand name of the town and to create a unified overall strategy that would include the marina, Queen's Parade and the town centre area in future marketing plans.

He reinforced the need to promote the town's attractions and unique selling point.

He used the example of Cesana, a town in Italy, which is approximately the same size as Bangor.

"There, town officials offered inventive art and cultural activities with, crucially, free parking in the town centre. The events brought people in, but they stayed and returned for the easy shopping experience it presented."

This was an excellent example of how to resourcefully improve a town of this size, he stated, and one that demonstrated the importance of providing an unconventional draw that makes the borough stand out.

"You cannot offer the same as towns in the surrounding area," he concluded. "If Bangor, Newtownards and Downpatrick all claim to be the family friendly town, or the upmarket town, or offer the most attractions, you will simply cancel each other out. You must offer something that visitors to County Down will not be able to get elsewhere."