CREATIVE THINKING PROJECT IDEAS from an event held at The Alnwick Garden on 26th June 2018
BACKGROUND
Following the Northumberland County Council’s Borderlands stakeholder event held at Northumberland Hall in Alnwick on 22nd May 2018, a number of local organisations felt it necessary to hold a wider consultation event which involved a broader spectrum of stakeholders and provided a greater opportunity to ‘have their say’ and input into the Borderlands debate.
We acknowledged the remit and themes and geared the Alnwick event around the presentation from the 22nd May event as well as from the Dumfries Conference. Our Creative Thinking event took the form of round table discussion with table leaders capturing ideas and to allow opportunity for everyone to contribute.
The AIM was to put Alnwick at the heart of Northumberland’s thinking in relation to the Borderlands Growth Deal and to enable businesses, traders, communities and residents to give creative input and express their views and aspirations for the town and Borderlands area.
Consideration was also given to the proposals within the Draft Local Plan for the period 2016 – 2036 and what it intends to achieve over that period – for example:
• Enable the development and diversification of the rural economy, and deliver the Borderlands Initiative, by supporting the creation and expansion of hubs for business services and creative industries in the County’s market towns, rural service centres and larger villages, and through more home run enterprises; • Support the growth and diversification of the visitor economy, including the development of tourism facilities and accommodation; • Support improvements to town centres; • Support initiatives to improve skills levels in Northumberland's resident workforce; • Allow Northumberland’s natural and historic environment to continue to be experienced and valued by residents and visitors, within the scope that is possible to maintain their full protection and allow for their enhancement; • Provide a range of viable, efficient sustainable transport alternatives to reduce reliance on the private motor vehicle, • Ensure Northumberland continues to have a well-established and spatially distributed network of waste management facilities, with sufficient capacity and that recycling and recovery rates are maximised;
Additionally, consideration has been given to homeless statistics (Dept for Communities and Local Government).
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MESSAGES FROM THE EVENT LEADERS
Loving Alnwick is a community based concept, inspired by the Love Northumberland project. It is a non- political, not for profit community hub that has been created to work alongside more formal organisations. Loving Alnwick puts volunteering at the heart of its work and provides opportunities for local people to get involved in their communities and value where they live in meaningful ways. I feel that Loving Alnwick has much to offer in this stakeholder consultation process.
My ambition for the Borderlands Growth Deal is to give local residents a voice and an opportunity to work in partnership with others to create some amazing ideas for Alnwick that will fulfil the remit of the Borderlands themes as stated by the Local Authorities and national government.
Loving Alnwick, The Chamber of Trade and The Alnwick Garden agreed to work in partnership to lead this event. The interest and transformational ideas that ensued far exceeded our expectations and there is a desire for the consultation process to continue.
Following simple publicity and ‘chatting on the streets’ it became evident that people in Alnwick have some great ideas and they are indeed passionate about their ‘destination’ and what the future holds for our young as well as older people.
We hope the findings in this report demonstrate both commitment and understanding of the towns challenges and the aspirations for the future in making not only Alnwick but the Borders a great place to live, work and play.
Linda Wood-Mitchell - Loving Alnwick
Keep it Clean, Green and Safe. I really do believe if we could achieve this it would greatly improve the chances of big investment in the town. I strongly believe the market place should be at the heartbeat of the old town and should be the place we should concentrate our efforts. We need big attractions as we are more and more becoming a favourite destination. We need to make Alnwick a place where people want to come and spend quality time. People need to have a reason for being in the town therefore we need to seek to increase business use of the current empty shops before embarking on out of town development. We need to grab this opportunity through Borderlands to increase parking facilities and to ensure greater footfall into the town.
Carlo Biagioni - Chamber of Trade (Chair)
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I believe we should use the impetus created by this exercise to promote Alnwick by holding an event entitled Investing in Alnwick. This event should take the form of a conference held at the leisure centre. I believe it should be run by Alnwick Chamber of Trade together with other stakeholders in the town with help from ARCH in their new role of promoting the market towns. It should take the form of showcasing the positives about Alnwick. The aim would be to attract inward investment to the town in the form of manufacturing and service industries together with people wanting to come and live here. It could even include leisure service providers. It would also include retail businesses wishing to take vacant premises in the town centre. I would envisage this taking place in the spring of 2019. We are keen to develop the ideas put forward in this report whether or not we get substantial funding from Border Growth Fund (see Our Next Steps for more info).
David Taylor - Chamber of Trade (Vice Chair)
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The Borderlands Growth initiative is an inspiring one and offers the promise of significant transformational investment to areas that have historically felt marginalised by urban centric capital spending. The town of Alnwick is special and has great potential but as with many other historic market towns has a high street that has felt the impact of large retailers opening business parks on the outskirts of town. Another challenge is Alnwick’s reliance on tourism and the seasonal nature of this industry. There are solutions to these challenges but a significant amount of Capital investment will be needed. I can see a time in the not too distant future where Alnwick can boast a 12 month tourist season supporting new jobs and educational opportunities for young people. The Borderlands initiative offers a key to unlocking the potential of the area and The Alnwick Garden, as an active member of the Alnwick community, will support all the initiatives put forward that will benefit the area.
Mark Brassell - The Alnwick Garden
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Attendance at the Creative Thinking Event
The event held on Tuesday 26th June attracted over 40 participants from over 17 different organisations along with residents, traders and town council members. Ideas have also been flooding in from people in the Chamber of Trade and others in organisations who could not attend the event but wished their thoughts to be included in the discussions. In total over 100 people have contributed with ideas that will make a real difference to the Borderlands themes of: Digital, Energy, Destination, Productivity, Business Growth, Transport, Innovation and Skills, and Quality of Place.
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Representation at the meeting included: Additional contributions via email Local residents and websites have come from: Loving Alnwick Chamber of Trade members Local residents The Alnwick Garden Chamber of Trade members Alnwick Town Council Alnwick Arts and Crafts Keep it Clean Hardy’s Museum Alnwick Lions Markets/Local Living Tourist Information Alnwick Auctions NEED Ltd Rotary Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints Friends of the Earth Alnwick Civic Society Restaurants Bed and Breakfast establishments Business Co-operatives Alnwick Arch Climbing Centre Alnwick Talking Newspaper
Some project ideas discussed around the tables Key Issues Alnwick Distillery Training and upskilling Seek out Investors – Brexit opportunities/find key people/who Health inequality/ageing are our celebrities population/obesity Business Park – Starter Units, Science Park, Hot desking Decline of the arts Borderlands College/Centre of Excellence/Knowledge exchange Need for entrepreneurs/investors Transport Hub - Extend the Railway – Park and Ride – Parking Infrastructure - Cycleway Empty business premises Affordable Housing No jobs for young people Digital Connectivity Young people leaving the area Town Centre Improvements - cobbles, car parking, pedestrian Lack of joined-up thinking zones, market place Adventure Hub - Climbing Centre – Social/Community spaces Recycling Village Rehabilitation Village Alnwick Foyer – for vulnerable young people living in the Borders Borderlands promotion of the area – video/interactive website/ Alnwick Business Village Aln Valley Railway extension/extend cycleway/Boris bikes Electric car charging points Cover in the market place Cinema, Arts Town centre improvements Detail ideas already in the pipeline
WHAT FOLLOWS
We have co-ordinated the results/ideas into your template for your further consideration as requested.
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PROJECT TEMPLATES COMPLETED
TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY AT THIS STAGE
1. Alnwick Town Centre Transformation 2. Aln Valley Railway Project/Cycleway improvements 3. Alnwick Recycling Village 4. Alnwick Rehabilitation Village 5. Alnwick Community Arts/Venture Hub 6. Educational Hub across major Borderlands towns 7. Borderlands Foyer based in Alnwick 8. Alnwick Community Distillery 9. Community Adventure Hub
Additionally, as part of your presentation on 22nd May you asked if there were any projects already in the pipeline. The following projects are currently being explored/part funded or funding being sought.
10. Environmental Enhancement – Loving Alnwick 11. North East Equality and Diversity (NEED) Ltd 12. Alnwick Arch Climbing Centre 13. Alnwick Auctions Recycling Hub
CROSS-BORDER WORKING
We recognise the need for, and would wish to be a part of, any cross border working on strategies which include marketing of the Borders, business development, tourist development, education and youth, cross cultural (arts/music etc), health and environmental issues to ensure bottom-up approaches are both driving and leading the Borderlands progress. We feel all our projects provide for cross border approaches to tackling many of the issues.
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1. Project Plan for: Alnwick Town Centre Transformation
Themes – Digital, Energy, Destination, Productivity, Business Growth, Transport, Innovation and Skills, and Quality of Place.
Key Contact: Borderlands Working Group + interested individuals
Key messages Alnwick Town Centre is facing the all too common challenge of a reducing number of independent retailers and an increase of charity shops. Seasonality is a major problem as is the threat from larger retailers opening new outlets far from the town centre. The visitor experience needs to be improved to reinvigorate existing businesses and attract new ones.
Objectives Pedestrianise sections of the town centre to improve the shopping experience and Outcomes allow for the introduction improved market and events Outputs Removal of bus station and introduce a green space and area for artists to perform and display their artwork Introduce a retractable roof over market square that will facilitate an all-weather venue for markets and other events Introduce a living wall in areas around the existing bus station and around the market square
Outcomes: • Creation of jobs (25 new shops – 75 jobs) • Significant economic impact • Revitalisation of high street • Economic boost to creative sector • Positive impact on seasonality challenge
Immediate next Planning Permission steps Call for architect proposals Feasibility Study including accurate costing
Proposal for NCC Planning stakeholder Proposal to Town Team and Town Council engagement
Government NCC and Town Council official engagement
Additional work Consultation with Transportation Stakeholders Consultation with local Arts Groups
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Additional Internal specialist External Public Sector External buy in resource NCC Planers Feasibility Accountant Transportation Stakeholders Art Groups
Paid Resource In Kind-Resource/support Feasibility Accountant
Budget £2.5m Timeline See Gantt chart overleaf
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2. Project Plan for: Aln Valley Railway Project
Themes - Digital, Energy, Destination, Productivity, Business Growth, Transport, Innovation and Skills, and Quality of Place.
Key Contact: Borderlands Working Group + interested individuals
Key messages Alnwick Valley Railway extension from Alnmouth Station to Alnwick with tram transport from current Lionheart Railway Station to Column Field. The installation of world class Christmas Lights from Column Field through the centre of Alnwick Town. Introduction of a park and ride facility at Lionheart Station that will alleviate parking problems. Introduction of a cycleway from Alnmouth to Alnwick town centre.
Objectives Creation of 25 permanent jobs (at least 12 skilled positions) Outcomes Economic turnaround of area through the months of October to January Outputs Increase in visitor accommodation through a traditionally lean period Transformation of struggling high street making smaller retail outlets more viable Solve long standing Alnwick parking problems Sustainable transportation through improved cycling transportation
Immediate next Planning Permission steps Creation of Social Enterprise Feasibility Study including accurate costing
Proposal for NCC Planning would be consulted first stakeholder Proposal to Town Team and Town Council engagement
Government NCC and Town Council official engagement
Additional work Consultation with National Rail network Investigation into suitable self-propelled tram to transport visitors through the town
Additional Internal specialist External Public Sector External buy in resource NCC Planers Feasibility Accountant Already buy in from local town stakeholders
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Paid Resource In Kind-Resource/support Feasibility Accountant Aln Valley Railway Trust
Budget £5m Timeline See Gantt chart overleaf
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3. Project Plan for: Recycling Village
Themes - Energy, Destination, Productivity, Business Growth, Innovation and Skills, and Quality of Place.
Key Contact: Borderlands Working Group + interested individuals
Key Messages Alnwick embraces the ethos that it is beneficial to achieve a high level of recycling in order to reduce the use of landfill. We believe this is a responsibility and an opportunity.
Alnwick is short of employment opportunities for those of working age and particularly the young. We need to retain those young people and attract new people to maintain a vibrant community. We believe a Recycling Village would bring Environmental, Educational, Employment and Entrepreneurial benefits; the 4 E's.
Objectives Create an integrated recycling village located close to the existing recycling plant. Outcomes The village would consist of an educational block where environmental subjects Outputs could be taught to school children and adults. This facility could be used for conferences and lectures on the environment. It could be used for running creative workshops that would form an important part of the employment and entrepreneurial part.
Create a variety of factory and workshop premises to include large manufacturing and starter units and workshops. These premises would need to be versatile as the village and its residents grow. They would need to house machinery manufacturing, production of recycled materials, and crafted goods from recycled products. Make use of recycled materials in building works.
Less landfill, increased employment opportunities, net exporter of manufactured goods, added value of recycled materials, increases entrepreneurial and creative skills, locally produced crafted goods to sell to local market and tourists and further afield.
A ready supply of raw materials.
Immediate next Meet with owners of local recycling plant, educational practitioners, local authority steps environmental services, local business people and potential investors. Make sure land in suitable location available. Talk to local universities. Carry out an event ‘Investing in Alnwick’ showcasing what Alnwick has to offer to people and businesses. Talk to UK Research and Innovation about funding projects in Alnwick. Stakeholder Suez Recycling and Recovery UK engagement
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Government Northumberland County Council official UK Research and Innovation engagement Additional work Detailed viability study
Additional Internal specialist External Public Sector External buy in resource
Paid Resource In Kind-Resource/support
Budget TBA Timeline TBA
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4. Project Plan for: Alnwick Rehabilitation Village
Themes - Energy, Destination, Productivity, Business Growth, Transport, Innovation and Skills, and Quality of Place.
Key Contact: Borderlands Working Group + interested individuals
Key Messages There is a need to cut bed blocking in North East hospitals and Alnwick District is a suitable destination for establishing a Rehabilitation Village that would provide rehabilitation facilities for people recovering from operations.
Objectives To free up hospital beds for critically ill patients currently turned away from surgery Outcomes due to lack of space. Outputs Lack of rehabilitation services mean that sufferers of cardiac arrest and brain damage are often stuck in hospital indefinitely. The benefits of specialist rehabilitation centres for military personnel have been recognised but a lack of such facilities for the general population exacerbates the bed blocking issue and gives a worse outcome for the patient.
There is a need for purpose-built facilities that would have a positive outcome for the NHS.
Alnwick District has the benefit of a clean environment with good air quality and tranquil countryside that would be beneficial to patients’ wellbeing and recovery. Alnwick has good transport connections with the main conurbations of the North East.
Less costly bed blocking Better patient outcome Cost saving to the NHS
Immediate next Talk to stakeholders and establish viability of such a scheme. steps Stakeholder Health service providers. Support agencies including social services. Voluntary engagement sector providers. Government official engagement Additional work Additional Internal specialist External Public Sector External buy in resource
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Paid Resource In Kind-Resource/support Local Businesses, Chamber of Trade, volunteers
Budget TBA Timeline TBA
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5. Project Plan for: Alnwick Community Arts/Venture Hub
Themes – Digital, Destination, Productivity, Business Growth, Innovation and Skills, and Quality of Place.
Key Contact: Borderlands Working Group + interested individuals
Key Messages The area needs a local creative hub of new venture units where an eclectic mix of businesses can come together to learn from and inspire each other. The stunning townscape of Alnwick is surrounded by rural countryside and the Aln river. What we don’t realise is that Alnwick is also the home to artists, musicians, creative businesses, visitor and other key attractions. It has many places to eat, drink and socialise. It is a family location for young and old. We need to invest in our area to attract new businesses and the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. Also see 6. Educational Hub
Objectives Affordable new business space to encourage new start-ups. Outcomes Encourage new business ideas to stay in the area. Outputs Create an ideas exchange for like-minded people. Bring new skills to the area. Revolutionise new business approaches. Transform business thinking Provide an art gallery facility and hot desking opportunities for business visitors. To create a business solution suited to the needs of the Borderlands business as well as attract high tech businesses
Up to 30 new job prospects. Improved local economy. Success stories. Transformational business outcomes. New approach to business start-ups. Increased understanding of business growth
Small bookable spaces/study space Studio/office space, training/event space, new start up space which is affordable for new businesses. Offer guidance and support to new business leaders. Group Coaching. Sales and Marketing advice. Financial Management.
Immediate next Create a social enterprise steps Feasibility study on location and accurate costings Explore existing unused buildings on edge of town for possible use Develop a campaign and seek out a tribe of passionate investors Showcase the idea in the press Prepare a marketing and business plan Private launch with prospective customers in the Borderlands area Approach NE Business Support Fund, Leader and other funding agencies Contact business networks including the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Entrepreneurs’ Forum.
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Stakeholder Research and advertise opportunity within the Borderlands area engagement Feasibility study Explore idea with aspiring business entrepreneurs
Government NCC, Planning, Town Council, Chamber of Trade official engagement Additional work Budget, Gantt, feasibility, business Plan
Additional Internal specialist External Public Sector External buy in resource Planning Borderlands Already buy in from Feasibility providers community and businesses Paid Resource In Kind-Resource/support Feasibility study Local Businesses, Chamber of Trade, volunteers Architect Budget £1.5 - 2m conversion of an existing building
Timeline Yr1 Yr 2 Yr3 Yr 4 Research and development Find premises, architect, Feasibility study Establish social enterprise Design and prepare– floor plan, parking, kitchen Develop Costings, Business Plan, risk assessment, health and safety Planning approval Consultation Partnership development Implementation Buildings works, internal changes, studio space, contractors Staffing Public Relations Publicity/Advertising First tenants Monitor and evaluation of use and success Document progress Maintenance
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6. Project Plan for: Creation of Educational Hub across major Borderlands towns
Themes - Digital, Energy, Destination, Productivity, Business Growth, Transport, Innovation and Skills, and Quality of Place.
Key Contact: Borderlands Working Group + interested individuals
Key messages The lack of first class educational opportunities across the Borderlands region means a great number of talented young people leave the area and never return. The proposal is to use existing unutilised infrastructure in each town to introduce educational hubs linked to world class educational institutions.
In addition to this small business support hubs will be created in the same space to allow entrepreneurs to grow their businesses through office and infrastructure sharing. Also see 5. Community Arts Venture hub
Objectives Create new businesses across the region Outcomes Job creation across the region Outputs Retail talented young people Improved utilisation of existing infrastructure
Outcomes: • Creation of jobs • Younger work force • Making Borderlands a great place to work • Reduce youth unemployment • Improvement of skills
Immediate next Identification of suitable infrastructure steps Identification of partner educational institutions Feasibility Study including accurate costing Planning Permission
Proposal for Education Institutions stakeholder Proposal to Town Team and Town Council engagement NCC Planning
Government All Borderlands Government leadership structures official NCC and Town Council engagement
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Additional work Consultation with Educational Stakeholders Study on how small business hubs have been successful elsewhere
Additional Internal specialist External Public Sector External buy in resource Infrastructure Specialist Feasibility Accountant Educational Institutions NCC Planners
Paid Resource In Kind-Resource/support Feasibility Accountant
Budget £10m (Estimate) Timeline See Gantt chart overleaf
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7. Project Plan for: Borderlands Foyer based in Alnwick
Themes - Digital, Destination, Productivity, Business Growth, Innovation and Skills, and Quality of Place.
Key Contact: Borderlands Working Group + interested individuals
Key messages Homelessness is high in the Borderlands area along with mental health illness and poor skills, unemployment and lack of opportunity. We need to help our homeless young people who have those complex needs as well as provide safe places for young people and make positive investment in our youth.
The nearest Foyer is over 40 miles away to the south and Aberdeen to the north
Objectives Education, training, mentoring, counselling, employment support and health Outcomes improvement initiatives. Outputs The Foyer would offer a something for something deal for young people usually between the ages of 16-25 who are in housing need with personal development and other services that enable young people to reconnect with learning, increase their employability, improve their health and wellbeing and develop their leadership potential. The Foyer would likely be a housing association providing a range of low cost social housing to people needing somewhere to live.
Provide transformational programmes of support Linked use office space Community Café/ social space for young people
Support for vulnerable young people. Upskilling opportunities, low cost accommodation, (30-35 beds), improved employability, jobs development and implementation of nationally recognised quality assurance approaches.
Accredited learning programmes across the Foyer network. Early intervention initiatives involving family mediation and peer mentoring; innovation partnerships with the business world to try and create a different kind of conversation between young people and the world of work. Workforce development programmes including training Foyer staff to use a ‘life coaching’ approach rather than the traditional support work model that is prevalent in supported housing > employable young people/jobs.
Low cost accommodation, support and advice on independent living skills, training, education and employment.
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Immediate next Contact Foyer Federation, costs, opportunities, needs. steps Lambourne Housing Association – Alison Lamont 01387 321 213 Impact Housing – Louise Gray Joel Lewis Director of the Foyer Federation - 02074302212
Proposal for NCC stakeholder Housing associations in the area engagement
Government Foyer partnership working across the Borderlands area official engagement Additional work Research /Feasibility study
Additional Internal specialist External Public Sector External buy in resource Paid Resource In Kind-Resource/support
Budget £2 - £3m for a 35 bed Foyer (based on average costs for 70 bed Foyer with community café - £5m) Timeline Yr1 Yr 2 Yr3 Yr 4 Research and development Foyer Federation, Housing Association government stats. Feasibility study Design and prepare – floor plan, parking, kitchen, community space Develop Costings, Business Plan, risk assessment, health and safety, insurances Planning approval Consultation Partnership development Implementation Buildings works, internal changes, studio space, contractors Staffing Public Relations Publicity/Advertising First tenants Monitor and evaluation of use and success Document progress
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8. Project Plan for: Alnwick Community Distillery
Themes - Digital, Destination, Productivity, Business Growth, Innovation and Skills, and Quality of Place.
Key Contact: Borderlands Working Group + interested individuals
Key messages Focus on ways to make the area more attractive to investors, visitors and those who may wish to come and live here.
Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden attracts 600k visitors. If the distillery was sited across the town, e.g. old Duchess’ High School, it would provide a natural draw to attract the visitors we already get to pass through the town and thereby increase footfall to existing businesses and possibly provide an impetus for more shopping outlets to take the risk and open. If set up as a charitable trust or cooperative it would provide a source of funds for other local projects within the town such as work on the cobbles or bus station.
Objectives, Average employment across 136 Scottish distilleries is 75. Average employment across Outcomes, the wider community is 300. This project could create over 30 sustainable jobs. Outputs It provides an ideal opportunity to offer skilled apprenticeships within Alnwick.
Able to offer distillery tours, visitor centre and Northumbrian restaurant.
Most of the barley used in Scottish distilleries is grown in Northumberland so it would provide a direct link to the rural economy and a clean source of water from the River Aln. There would be an improved local economic impact.
Immediate next Location suitability, licensing, feasibility of water supply, planning, investment. steps Proposal for Major tourist attraction/employer/training facility/apprenticeships stakeholder engagement Government NCC, Planning, Licencing official engagement Additional work Publicity and building suitable team to run. Need for experienced people
Additional Internal specialist External Public Sector External buy in resource Paid Resource In Kind-Resource/support
Budget TBA
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9. Project Plan for: Community Adventure Hub
Themes - Destination, Business Growth, Innovation and Skills, and Quality of Place.
Key Contact: Borderlands Working Group + interested individuals
Key Messages Need for an all-weather/season facility. Need to improve infrastructure. Need to extend tourism opportunities to all year round visitors. Alnwick needs more social and learning spaces for our young people. A community space that harmonises the different elements of the Alnwick population.
Draw people into the town centre – join the dots.
Objectives Create both indoor and outdoor activities. Outcomes Create an intergenerational exchange of ideas. Outputs Jobs, increase in visitor footfall/learning opportunity.
Provide a facility on the edge of town which includes: skate park, go karting, physical activities, shopping centre, electric car charging points, trampoline, climbing wall, sports centralisation, provide a winter light spectacular, cinema and art gallery, shopping centre.
Immediate next Explore the opportunities steps Stakeholder Community consultation engagement Government NCC, Town Council official engagement Additional work Costing
Additional Internal specialist External Public Sector External buy in resource Paid Resource In Kind-Resource/support
Budget £5m
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PROJECT IN THE PIPELINE 10. Project Plan for: Environmental Enhancement – Loving Alnwick
Themes - Destination, Business Growth, Innovation and Skills, and Quality of Place.
Key Contact: Borderlands Working Group + interested individuals
Key Messages As a tourist town it is felt that greater visual impact is required on the main road leading into Alnwick town at the junction of The Oaks
Objectives To provide: Outcomes • volunteering opportunities for local people. Outputs • a spectacular entrance to the town, • training, social support and friendship • intergenerational opportunities
Environmental improvement Greater local involvement in the community. Tourist interest and appreciation
Environmental and horticultural items, sculpture, rocks, plants, shrubs. Insurance through Loving Alnwick
Immediate next Await funding results, NCC Planning, Town Council, Interested groups, steps Design ideas
Stakeholder Already undertaken with volunteer groups engagement NCC and Town Council consultation
Government Part funding being sought from Big Lottery – Awards for All & NCC official Engagement of town council engagement Additional work Already in the pipeline
Additional Internal specialist External Public Sector External buy in resource Planning Highways Paid Resource In Kind-Resource/support Loving Alnwick Volunteers Chamber of Trade Alnwick Garden
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Budget £10k - 15k
Timeline (Insert Gantt Yr1 Yr 2 Chart) Await results of funding applications Contact planning seek approval, Design and accurate costings Formalise volunteer group Health and safety/risk planning Design of sculpture Seek appropriate artists/sculpture Implementation Monitor and evaluation Document progress Ongoing volunteer maintenance
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PROJECT IN THE PIPELINE 11. Project Plan for: North East Equality and Diversity (NEED) Ltd
Themes - Destination, Business Growth, Transport, Innovation and Skills.
Key contact: Mrs Vee Robinson-Caffrey
Key Messages NEED Ltd is a Community Transport & Disability Organisation based in Alnwick, although we are UK wide our services are predominately in Northumberland, North East England and Border Region. We are a Not-for-Profit, Social Enterprise and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1120968 Company No: 5817797
The main community aim of NEED is to provide affordable accessible transport for those most vulnerable in the community due to age, sickness or disability (mental or physical), or poverty, or because of the lack of availability of adequate and safe passenger transport public services.
Our ethos is “local jobs for local people” in order to help prevent economic migration to cities and promote rural growth. We employ 37 local people and support 15 local businesses.
Objectives NEED Ltd are in the process of purchasing the building and site in Alnwick where we Outcomes currently reside. This is not only to ensure the future of our current employees, but Outputs also to expand, deliver new services and bring more employment to the local community.
Short term we need to secure, renovate and refurbish the building and site.
Medium term, plans are to develop the building into a community enterprise centre, housing and incubating community based not for profit organisations, social enterprises and start-up businesses with access to affordable office space, hot desks and training/ meeting rooms.
Long term, to become a centre of excellence for training in North Northumberland specialising in transport related training.
Developments will be phased to allow early occupation by ourselves and initial tenants. At present there are 7 interested parties who would like to occupy the building with immediate effect.
Immediate next steps
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Stakeholder engagement Government official engagement Additional work Additional Internal specialist External Public Sector External buy in resource Architects with their own specialist team
Paid Resource In Kind-Resource/support
Budget £1.5m
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PROJECT IN THE PIPELINE 12. Project Plan for: Alnwick Arch Climbing Centre Themes - Destination, Business Growth, Innovation and Skills.
Key Contact: Ben Brotherton
Key Messages This project will deliver a first class indoor rock climbing experience, accessible to all. It will require the construction of a bespoke bouldering facility in a suitable building, most probably an existing industrial unit. The site will be used by climbers, schools, groups and visitors. The facility will be accessible seven days a week. Objectives As an indoor facility it will complement the existing outdoor pursuits activities Outcomes offered in Northumberland. Across the UK indoor climbing is becoming a more Outputs popular activity for a wide range of individuals and groups, as an alternative to the gym or as a social activity. It is important that the centre is able to cater for experienced climbers, however it's primary focus would be towards novices and juniors. The hope is to engage with, and encourage, youth development within the area offering a new and exciting form of exercise. This demand is reflected in the success of other similar centres throughout the UK. The addition of Climbing to the 2020 Olympics will provide a huge exposure for the sport and is another clear indication of the growing popularity. Currently the nearest equivalent offerings are available in Newcastle and Edinburgh. Locally, there is a basic climbing wall integrated as part of the Willowburn Leisure Centre but its scale and customer offering are not comparable to our proposal of a dedicated facility.
The aim of the business is to provide a first class specialised sports facility with a small cafe offering local employment opportunities, a social hub as well as an exciting new hobby and form of exercise. As an innovative new tourist attraction it will both encourage and retain visitors to the area.
The proposed project provides a good fit in meeting the strategic aims of the Local Development Strategy. As a priority 2 project it will develop a new business sports and recreational facility in a rural location, offering an opportunity for local people to engage in sport. As a priority 3 project the business will provide an additional tourist attraction to visitors to both Alnwick and the wider Northumberland area. It provides an excellent indoor alternative to the existing outdoor climbing opportunities in the county when the weather is inclement. It will attract and retain visitors in the county and will offer incentives for visitors to make return visits.
Immediate next The project has generated great interest and has been offered a full application steps from Leader.
Personal funds are in place as well as those of the other financial backers. Currently seeking suitable premises.
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Stakeholder engagement Government NCC Planners/Town Council official engagement Additional work Additional Internal specialist External Public Sector External buy in resource Paid Resource In Kind-Resource/support
Budget Current estimates £100,00-130,000. The main variation is from the level of renovation that would be required at the selected location. Project completion from agreement of lease and access to site would be four months.
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PROJECT IN THE PIPELINE 13. Project Plan for: Alnwick Auctions Recycling Hub Themes - Destination, Productivity, Business Growth, Innovation and Skills.
Key Contact: Nigel Blagburn - Alnwick Auctions
Key Messages Alnwick Auctions has been operating for 8 years. We have a large customer following and know what the public wants. We have often turned down hundreds and hundreds of customers over the years due to not been able to store items such as sofas and electronics. However, with the storage/recycling facilities we’d be able to accept almost everything and meet our customers’ needs more easily, overall providing a better service. Objectives Objectives: Outcomes • Provide a storage recycling facility which specifically supports up to 25% Outputs local people with special needs and/or learning difficulties. • Employment and Training/Jobs for the local community • Less waste Outcomes: • Creation of jobs (15-20) • Economic impact in the community • Revitalisation of items and goods • Economic boost • Trained employable people Outputs: • Custom built building Immediate next Explore opportunity in a few potential sites to host the business. steps • the site next to the Hogs Head because of its great A1 frontage. • alternatively obtain a plot of land in the Lionheart industrial estate, as it has got easy access and good space. There is a preference to build/seek investment (due to current rent being £800 week). Stakeholder NCC Planning engagement Government NCC and Town Council official engagement Additional work Additional Internal specialist External Public Sector External buy in resource Paid Resource In Kind-Resource/support Alnwick Auction House Budget TBA
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Additional Comments
The issue I put on the table at the Open Meeting at Northumberland Hall was around age demographic. We have a disproportionately older population in North Northumberland – people come here to retire. I suggested that instead of seeing this as a disadvantage we could view it as a market specialism by: a) Encouraging age appropriate leisure and health pursuits b) Supply of nursing homes c) Encouraging apprenticeships and training in healthcare d) Encouraging business with mobility aids etc to set up distribution centres and service centres in Alnwick (e.g. on Willowburn Trading Estate – redeveloped!) Thus, instead of age being a ‘problem’, services to an ageing population become a business opportunity and employment driver and encourage more of the ‘grey pound’ to come and be spent in the local economy.
Philip Angier – Local Living
------Alnwick needs to find key investors in the town to supplement other work and increase the attractiveness of the town as well as improve business outcomes.
Carlo Biagioni – Chair of Alnwick Chamber of Trade
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I think that we, as a body, should be asking the next generation what ‘they’ would like to see happen - it is after all their future that we are deciding. If I were 16-18, I think I would like to have an input! If we’re serious about making Alnwick a place where there are opportunities for the young and at the very least, an ‘option’ to stay in the area rather than leave as soon as they finish their education.
Secondly, we can’t get away from the fact that since the 600’s AD, Alnwick has been a proud market town. What it really needs is to play to that strength and become ’THE’ market town in the Borders that is fit for purpose in the 21st Century. Historically, a ‘marketplace’ would naturally 'set up' outside castle walls and attract people from all over the region. Well, with Alnwick it still does and we should play to this strength. There are very few places in the UK that have such close proximity between a working castle and the community so we should exploit this.
A marketplace can and should be an exchange of goods and ideas which should now extend to digital/new technology as well as retail shops and markets of differing types (traditional/food/antiques & vintage/crafts & art and more). The town centre should carry a different offering to retail parks on the outskirts of town.
We should be making Alnwick a true destination which is at the cutting edge of new thinking bound together by traditional values and smaller independent businesses. Making it more affordable for start-up businesses is needed, with ‘fit for purpose’ buildings could be re-vamped or established (e.g. Corn Exchange/covered marketplace to make it all weather) and making the town centre accessible with some pedestrianisation, improved transport links (new bus station/rail links?) would set Alnwick apart for generations and forge better regional, national and international links.
You might like to take a look at Tongeren – Belgium https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongeren - https://www.fleamapket.com/listing/tongeren-flea-market/
Mark Hobrough - Beehive
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Recommendations
1. Needs further consultation with young people 2. Needs further consultation with the Town Council 3. Needs further consultation with health providers 4. Needs to research key agencies connected to the projects 5. Need to find passionate Investors 6. Feedback to contributors/ keep the consultation ‘live’
Our Next Steps
• Reach agreement with NCC for our ongoing involvement • Formalise and increase partnership working of the Alnwick Borderlands Working Group and develop Terms of Reference/membership • Investing in Alnwick Event – Spring 2019
Showcasing the following:
• The historic market town with its independent retail offering and professional services • Its food drink and accommodation services • Its attractions such as The Alnwick Gardens, Alnwick Castle, Barter Books, Hardy’s Fishing Museum, Alnwick museum, Aln Valley Railway • Its relationship as a centre for exploring the Northumberland Coast and inland areas • Manufacturing and other business facilities • Its local educational facilities with Universities in Newcastle, Sunderland and Edinburgh • Its modern housing supply in conjunction with the historic build • Its transport facilities with its rail link to the East Coast line, Newcastle Airport, Edinburgh Airport, continental ferry connection, local bus service and A1 road connection • Major shopping cities within 1 hours’ distance
In Conclusion
Whilst we recognise that not all our ideas meet the Capital aims of the Borderlands incentive, we do feel that the Creative Thinking consultation delivered its objective in engaging with local people to explore the ideas that they feel would improve both the local and wider economy.
Due to the deadlines and urgency of the Borderlands Initiative, not all areas of the report templates have been completed fully e.g. Gantt charts, costs etc. However, we are willing to pursue these elements in more detail if acceptable to the Borderlands concept.
We look forward to your comments and to exploring our further involvement on Borderlands projects.
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On behalf of Alnwick Borderlands Working Group
Linda Wood-Mitchell [email protected] 07592 401521 Mark Brassell [email protected] 07904 131561 Carlo Biagioni [email protected] 07477 622801 David Taylor [email protected] 07809 467126 Stephen Bell [email protected] 01665 602584
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