Knowledge Bank : Case Studies

Town centre management (TCM) schemes in Spain have generally evolved primarily from a retail perspective, led by small and medium sized retailers. However, their development has often focused on business goals (e.g. profit, increase in footfall, etc). In doing so, they have often overlooked the very social issues that have embedded retail historically in the socio-economic matrix of our towns and cities. This paper, adopting a case-study approach, seeks to readdress this imbalance by exploring some of the key success factors of Gran Centre Granollers (GCG) ? one of Spain?s most advanced retailer-led TCM schemes located in Granollers (near Barcelona). GCG?s visionary motto of ?city, culture and commerce? and its inclusive approach to the management of the area?s stakeholders have captured the imagination of the town?s independent retailers (75% of them are members of the scheme). It has also proved pivotal in engaging the town?s residents with the scheme?s vision, purpose and ethical values

This project was organised by Town Centre Management and Ottakers Bookshop in order to raise the profile of Battersea centre. Comprising a series of literary talks, readings, a literary lunch and a literary pub quiz at different town centre locations and local schools, the event confounded initial critics by attracting authors such as Melvyn Bragg, Ian Rankin, Sarah Waters, Jo Brand, Anthony Bourdain, Libby Purves and Nell Dunn.

This project was initiated by Tooting Town Centre Partnership, with help and funding from the Arts Council and local groups, as part of its objective to reduce crime and the fear of crime and foster a sense of ownership and social responsibility in the area.

Cesena has a population of around 92.000 and it is situated in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy ? one of the most developed tourist areas in the country with a good variety of night entertainment, beach resorts and theme parks. Even though it is not one of Italy?s most famous destinations for culture tourism, Cesena is rich in art, history and heritage.

This project forms part of Reading Borough Council?s ?Art at the Centre? programme, an Arts Council England initiative which aims to involve artists in regenerating the city centre by exploring different ways to influence the spirit of the places in which people live, work and play.

Translated from Italian by the ATCM