Town centre showcase plansfor the future

Representatives spoke about the strides they had taken in improving their town centre through promoting close collaboration between local businesses.

Funded through the EU’s INTERREG IVA Cross-border Programme, managed by the SEUPB, the conference marked the end of the successful Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) Project, from which Coleraine received £51,000 worth of funding for local projects and initiatives.

Coleraine was involved in the project alongside four other locations, Ballymena, Larne, Sligo and Ayr. All five had been working to build their own town centre partnership and each considered how a BID might work in their local environment.

Julienne Elliott, Coleraine Town Team Economic Development Officer, spoke at the event on how Coleraine developed both their Town Team and the Coleraine brand. The funding made available through this project enabled Coleraine Town Team to pilot some signature events, such as the ‘Coleraine Goes Country’ Music Festival, and develop a Christmas Campaign with unique street animation in the form of a giant Snow Globe to the town centre.

The funding also assisted with communicating the new brand ‘C’ Our Town, ‘Make it Yours’, across a wide range of outlets including digital media, street dressing and promotional items.

Gwyneth McQuiston, Chair Coleraine Town Team and Manager, Diamond Shopping Centre, said, “Coleraine Town Team has developed a strong foundation, over the period of this INTERREG IVA Project, on which to build the future success of Coleraine town centre.

“The Coleraine Town Team will continue to work with our new partners in Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and the organisations within the town team to achieve our vision of a town centre that works for all.”