MORAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LAUNCHES TOWN CENTRE TASK FORCE
23 June 2023 • Sarah Medcraf
On the 4th of May, over 80 representatives from businesses, community groups and public sector gathered in Elgin Town Hall to discuss the future of Town Centres at Moray’s Town Centres Summit. Attendees discussed challenges and opportunities for Moray’s town centres, and discussed what was needed to regenerate them to be attractive, functional, and inviting places to live and visit.
So, what next?
Moray Chamber of Commerce hosted the Summit to start the region wide conversation. Now, following on from the positive discussions and to build the momentum, the Chamber has committed to the creation of Moray’s Town Centre Task Force (TCTF).
Sarah Medcraf, CE of Moray Chamber of Commerce and Moray Town Centre Task Force Chair, said:
“We’re really excited to launch the Town Centre Task Force. Whilst we still have some work to do before we are fully live, such as the recruitment of members, the commitment Moray Chamber of Commerce has given shows the importance of our town centres for our residents, young people, visitors, businesses and the wider economy. I’d urge anyone who is a ‘do-er’ to get involved to drive the regeneration of Moray’s town centres.”
What will it do?
The Task Force will bring together representatives from the local public, private and third sectors to promote the development of a new vision for the town centre. From identifying opportunities for regeneration, enhancement, and development within the town centres to engaging with stakeholders, (including local residents, business owners, community organisations, and relevant authorities) to gather input, feedback, and ideas and to source and support finance/funding for projects.
The Task Force will work in synergy with the current Town Centre Improvement Plans and other strategic plans outlining key initiatives, projects, and recommendations for improving the town centres to create action plans to deliver for Moray.
Which towns are included?
Moray’s Town Centres included in the Task Force are Aberlour, Buckie, Dufftown, Elgin, Forres, Keith and Lossiemouth and the scope of the work is focussed to the town centres. The Task Force may consider issues relating to adjacent to the town centres where appropriate and where they are likely to have a significant bearing on the town centre, such as the seafront.
Who will sit on the TCTF?
The Task Force will be chaired by Moray Chamber of Commerce’s Chief Executive, Sarah Medcraf and members will include representatives from Moray Council’s Strategic Planning and Development team.
The Task Force is also seeking to attract 3 – 4 experts in areas such as planning, architecture, transport, infrastructure, or grant processes or others who have relevant knowledge or experience to contribute.
In addition, the Task Force is seeking to attract 1 -2 stakeholder representatives from the seven main towns. The representatives from these towns could be residents, business owners, youth organisations, and other relevant community representatives who have both a genuine interest and capacity to support the work of the Task Force.
The Task Force will work to a Terms of Reference and Stakeholder Representatives will have a role to play as a conduit and transfer of information to and from the Task Force to their respective towns.
Nobody knows the town like its local community so the community will nominate 1 to 2 representatives to be a member of the TCTF. The Terms of Reference will set out the process of appointing members.
We are also actively exploring with partners the potential to source funding to create a town centre officer post to support the taskforce and we hope to have further updates imminently. The post will be a ‘boots on the ground’ role to really help the delivery of what the Task Force aims to achieve.
I am interested, what now?
Great, whether you’re a business, community representative or just keen to know more, please join an online discussion on Tuesday 18th July at 12noon. You can sign up for this event at www.moraychamber.co.uk/events
This event is an opportunity for you to learn more and ask any questions and the aim is to attract/recruit members of the task force so we can get started!