Our recent research with Kingston First members highlighted that 9 out of 10 respondents agreed that a vision for Kingston town centre is important. We’ve started working with Kingston Council to develop one and would like you to be involved in this opportunity from the start.
High streets and town centres are critical for creating a thriving local economy providing jobs, supporting local suppliers and services and creating a sense of place; welcoming new communities where people want to spend time. They can play a role in tackling climate change whether that’s targeting carbon emissions to the use of sustainable materials in future developments or even a plastic free shopping experience.
Unprecedented events like COVID 19 have had a significant impact on town centres and businesses; unravelling new challenges, frustrations and desires for the business owner, developer, resident and visitor. The energy crisis and lack of staff in many sectors has exacerbated the challenges businesses and organisations face. We are fortunate that Kingston is a gem of a riverside town close to central London with an abundance of offers and experiences for people who visit, live and study here. What about the future and how else can we collectively continue to create a thriving local economy and be relevant for the consumer and business owners?
At Kingston First we believe now is the time to really do something transformative for Kingston – to set a new direction for the town which brings together different voices from diverse communities and sectors to develop what Kingston should look and feel like in the future.
A vision is all about setting direction, being ambitious and aspiring to something – giving people reasons why they should visit or even move to a particular place. People make places, and they often have different experiences, desires and frustrations, that’s why it’s so important to bring residents, businesses, landowners and schools together to share their experiences, dreams and frustrations. We want you to be involved in shaping what the future of Kingston looks like and are holding workshops in partnership with Kingston Council to hear your views on 20 October and in November.
To find out more and sign-up to a workshop drop me a line, shareena.merzi@kingstonfirst.co.uk
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