9939: LERWICK TOWN CENTRE
This 1999 nomination is by Lerwick Town Centre Management Group, and relates to the Lerwick Town Centre Improvement Initiative. This initiative, developed and managed by the planning service of Shetland Islands Council, has enabled substantial environmental improvements to take place in Lerwick town centre with the full involvement of the local community. Lerwick, with a population of approximately 7500, is the principal town of Shetland. Lerwick's historic town centre developed as the merchants built lodberries along the shore of Bressay Sound in the 18th Century and the character of this, the oldest part of the town, remains largely intact today. The entire town centre lies within the Lerwick Lanes Outstanding Conservation Area. Launched in January 1995, Lerwick Town Centre Management Group (LTCMG) represents a commitment from Shetland Islands Council to revitalise the town centre and achieve a high standard of town centre management. Members of the group include representatives from Lerwick community council, various Council Departmental representatives, the local business community, Shetland Enterprise and Shetland Tourism, the Northern Constabulary, Shetland Amenity Trust and Lerwick Port Authority. The work of the group is managed by the SIC Planning service. By working in partnership, LTCMG aims to contribute towards the wider goals of stimulating the local economy, enhancing Shetland's image, and improving the quality of life for local people. The initial strategy for Lerwick town centre focuses on the following six key areas: · environmental and service improvements, · promotion and marketing; · increasing variety; · business performance and customer care; · communication and liaison; and · monitoring and research. LTCMG's vision for the town centre is one of a vibrant and attractive place to shop, work and live. By building on the existing strengths of Lerwick town centre, which include the range of goods and services it has to offer and its architectural quality, our vision aims to create a high quality town centre environment that is accessible to all users. Key objectives for town centre management in Lerwick are · to maintain and improve the quality, vitality and viability of Lerwick town centre for all users. · to achieve greater competitiveness to ensure future investment in Lerwick's historic town centre, · to identify potential areas for redevelopment and promote opportunities for diversifying the centre's retail base, services and leisure interests, · to promote and market Lerwick town centre to Shetland residents and visitors using seasonal themed publicity and events, · to enhance the quality of parking facilities, pedestrian movement and traffic management · to achieve a high standard of design throughout the town centre that others will aspire to, · to monitor town centre performance and the success or otherwise of the town centre management initiative. Development on the Ground This initiative has successfully delivered nearly 40 separate projects that meet the criteria established by the key objectives. The most significant projects are briefly described below. All the projects have been subject to considerable public consultation and input. Reconstruction of Commercial Street In May 1997 the Heritage Lottery Fund approved a £370,000 grant for the reconstruction of this street, Shetland's principal shopping street. This grant allowed the Council to reflag the entire length of Commercial Street (5000m 2), replacing shabby concrete slabs with Caithness stone. It also allowed the extension of the flagstone area to Harrison Square and the lower part of the Market Cross. This project was designed by the Council's in-house design services section, working closely with Roads Engineers and Planners. In addition to reflagging the Street the sewerage and drainage system was completely replaced and a new electricity supply was installed. New street furniture has been kept to a minimum to provide a clutter free environment. The community response to the scheme has been very positive and the project was successfully completed in January 1999. Victoria Pier Improvements Lerwick Port Authority were granted planning permission in 1997 for environmental improvements at the entrance to Victoria Pier, removing an agglomeration of redundant street furniture and relocating the Diana fountain in a more prominent position. Additional funding from SIC and the LTCMG allowed the introduction of cast iron bollards, Caithness flagstones and granite setts. This project was combined with the construction of a new sewerage pumping station that was subject to an architectural competition. The new pumphouse building incorporates a new piece of public art: The Victoria Pier Pumphouse Mosaic project was funded in partnership between NoSWA, Leader II Shetland Arts Trust and LTCMG. The artist for the Mosaic was selected by competition open to all Scottish based Artists. After shortlisting by a local panel, three Artists were commissioned to prepare a design. The winner, Paul Grimes was then chosen by a vote by the local community. Over 370 votes were cast and the winning design was installed in August 1999 and has been warmly received. The completion of the Mosaic also helped launch a new Public Art leaflet for Shetland .Esplanade Pedestrian improvements A series of pedestrian improvements were completed on the Esplanade in 1999. The aim was to narrow the Esplanade for the passage of vehicular traffic, thereby slowing traffic and improving pedestrian movement and safety. This scheme has been complemented by a short stay parking scheme designed to remove commuters from spaces next to shops and other businesses. The Get Lerwick Shipshape Initiative was a partnership established with Shetland Enterprise and LTCMG that resulted in £14,000 of public funds being invested in improving shopfronts of over 40 businesses in the town centre. This project transformed the appearance of the Street prior to the arrival of the Cutty Sark Tall ships race in August 1999.
The judges sought a presentation on this nomination and visited Lerwick. They particularly commended the restrained design, the transformation of Harrison Square, the well-designed sewage pumping station, the public art, and the fact that a range of initiatives and business development work had been brought together to secure added value. They regard this nomination as exemplifying many aspects of good practice, from the very extensive public consultation and involvement in design to the innovative funding package. Shopper feedback has been positive, and there is good evidence of private investment since implementation. The judges welcome the steps being taken to improve traffic management and materials specification and feel that further work could be done on aspects of parking. They are very pleased to recommend a 1999 Award for the Lerwick Town Centre Initiative in this category.