Putting Town Centres First

The Heritage Council
Putting Town Centres First

This is a brand new podcast from the Heritage Council and Partners, which aims to engage practitioners, stakeholders, civic leaders and community groups in a ‘collective discussion’ on the key issues facing our town centres today and to explore innovative and collaborative solutions at a local, regional, national and international level. A Podcast for the CTCHC Programme is much-needed in Ireland as the recent Covid-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on our town centres and has created a ‘cultural shift’ in patterns and trends in relation to how we live and consume. In addition, the CTCHC Programme research has clearly demonstrated that many of our town centres were struggling before the pandemic. At the same time, the pandemic has also presented significant opportunities for small towns to attract people who can now work from home using Wi-fi – hence, reducing their daily commute and enhancing their overall quality of life.

Episodes

  1. A Christmas wish for our historic Town Centres in Ireland

    12/14/2020

    A Christmas wish for our historic Town Centres in Ireland

    The Heritage Council thanks all its new podcast listeners for supporting the CTCHC Podcast series over the last five weeks – this is the first-ever podcast series from the Heritage Council! We, and all the wonderful podcast speakers involved, are absolutely thrilled by the online activity of sharing, along with all the lively feedback and comments from everyone in Ireland and from our Diaspora around the world who have a love of their homeplace. As a way of a huge thank you for your support, we have created a bonus Christmas podcast episode, which sets out a suite of measures and actions that could be introduced to support the regeneration and recovery of our historic town centres in Ireland….   We hope you enjoy this bonus episode and from everyone in the CTCHC Podcast Team, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Peaceful New Year… Putting Town Centres First Podcast Page Collaborative Town centre Health Check Programme This podcast is supported by the heritage council.

    23 min
  2. Jamie McNamara focuses on Ireland’s historic town centres as a wonderful opportunity for traditional skills employment and increased housing supply

    12/11/2020

    Jamie McNamara focuses on Ireland’s historic town centres as a wonderful opportunity for traditional skills employment and increased housing supply

    In this Episode, Alison speaks to Jamie McNamara from SPAB. Jamie shares insights into the Heritage sector in Scotland, and the differences between it and the Irish model. Jamie talks about conservation and repurposing systems in Scotland and how they compare to Ireland’s. The two discuss the role of the Irish Diaspora in advancing the conservation sector and industry in Ireland. Jamie calls for a national taskforce for a renaissance of traditional skill sin Ireland.   Jamie also speaks about the City Heritage Trusts in Scottish Cities and their funding and benefits, and potential outcomes of the Irish-Scottish bi-lateral agreement in terms of learning from our peers.   Heritage sector generated over £4bn for Scotland’s economy in 2017-18 Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) This podcast is supported by The Heritage Council.

    36 min
  3. Mark Dearey highlights the need for national support for BID-type structures in Ireland as part of town centre recovery

    12/09/2020

    Mark Dearey highlights the need for national support for BID-type structures in Ireland as part of town centre recovery

    In this Episode, Alison speaks to Mark Dearey former Senator and LA Councillor, and current Chair of Dundalk Business Improvement District (BID). Mark speaks about his historic connection to, and passion for, Dundalk Town Centre, and his ongoing involvement in Dundalk BID. Mark discusses why BIDs are under-developed and under-supported in the Republic of Ireland compared to other EU Member States. The two speak about the Dundalk CTCHC Report (2019) and how it has helped by providing a quantitative and qualitative baseline analysis for the town centre in terms of vacancy rates, occupancy rates, footfall, and how residents feel about the town. Mark also highlights how the CTCHC process brought together people from different backgrounds, along with the observations from a Dutch Delegation of Provinces who visited for the Dundalk CTCHC Report’s ministerial launch.    The two discuss the need to reuse existing building stock, the renovation wave in Europe, and the Bauhaus philosophy of sustainable urban living.    Dundalk Town Centre Health Check Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Act 2006 This podcast is supported by the Heritage Council.

    34 min
  4. Nicki Matthews talks about how to re-imagine, re-use and repair traditional buildings in Ireland’s historic town centres

    12/04/2020

    Nicki Matthews talks about how to re-imagine, re-use and repair traditional buildings in Ireland’s historic town centres

    In this episode, Alison speaks to Nicki Matthews, who is a Senior Architect in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and a former conservation officer. Nicki speaks passionately about the need to enable, repurpose and unlock the potential of our vacant built heritage and building stock in town centres. Nicki talks about the heritage-led revitalisation strategy of Dublin’s Aungier Street, and the emerging National Policy on Architecture. The two discuss European policies that could be exemplars for town centre management and renewal in Ireland, and Nicki highlights the setting up of the inter-departmental town centre first working group, the importance of collaboration and working in a holistic way with multidisciplinary teams at all levels to achieve joined up thinking and planning.   Working with an Older Building RIAI launches Town and Village Toolkit to support the revitalisation of Irish towns as great places to live and work This podcast is supported by the Heritage Council.

    34 min
  5. Ian Talbot calls for a new era of town centre living and the need to create sustainable towns and communities as part of the post pandemic recovery

    12/02/2020

    Ian Talbot calls for a new era of town centre living and the need to create sustainable towns and communities as part of the post pandemic recovery

    In this episode, Alison speaks to Ian Talbot, CEO of Chambers Ireland. Ian shares the history and heritage of the organisation, an insight into their work and their focus on town centre renewal, and the importance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 11, which supports Sustainable Cities and Communities. Ian highlights the need for a Department of the Taoiseach-led National Task Force or Working Group to design and implement the Programme for Government’s Town Centre First Policy at the highest level, as he feels that town centres cover all aspects of Irish society and the economy. Ian also talks about the importance of ‘livable towns’, and the need for a National Urban Living Initiative. The two discuss the increase of Irish retail SMEs now trading online, and Ian gives sound advice on how to support the economy, our historic town centres and how to shop responsibly this Christmas, while still staying safe.    Places Matter- Chamber Guide to Best Practice in Local Economic Development     Sustainable Cities and Communities  This podcast is supported by the Heritage Council.

    33 min
  6. Orla Murphy urges Ireland to embrace the President of the EC, Ursula von der Leyen’s recent call for a new Bauhaus Movement in Europe

    11/27/2020

    Orla Murphy urges Ireland to embrace the President of the EC, Ursula von der Leyen’s recent call for a new Bauhaus Movement in Europe

    In this episode, Alison speaks to Orla Murphy who is an architect, TV presenter, and University lecturer. Orla shares insight on her book, ‘Town: Origins, Morphology and Future’ and accompanying animated film made as an output of her two-year research project. Orla speaks about her experience as co-curator of The Irish Pavilion at the 2018 Venice Biennale entitled ‘Free Market’, and its subsequent National Tour in 2019. Orla also discusses the need for a greater understanding of what makes our towns unique, including character and sense of place. The two discuss the need for a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to town centre management, and Orla shares her hopes for the future of decarbonised Irish towns and town centres as instigated by the European Green Deal and Ursula Von Der Leyen’s recent call to create a new Bauhaus Movement for Europe. Free Market Town - animated video   This podcast is supported by the Heritage council.

    34 min
  7. Sarah Sherlock from the SCSI discusses Ireland’s need to embrace the digital age in spatial surveying, mapping and modelling to ensure that today’s kids, who are the most-technically savvy yet, are not caught in a time warp!

    11/25/2020

    Sarah Sherlock from the SCSI discusses Ireland’s need to embrace the digital age in spatial surveying, mapping and modelling to ensure that today’s kids, who are the most-technically savvy yet, are not caught in a time warp!

    In this episode, Alison speaks to Sarah Sherlock from the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland. Sarah shares a bit about her background, her interest in towns and town centres, and ideas about how to establish better systems within surveying, mapping, and modelling in Ireland. Sarah discusses the idea of one single source of geo-spatial truth for the whole of the country, the need for a national database for geospatial data, and the importance of futureproofing our spatial data for the generations to come. Sarah talks about the need for a ‘cultural shift’ that thinks for the long term and delivers for us all. The two discuss the importance of 3D modelling, and the adaptation of new technologies, and how this is the way forward for town planning and town centre management.    RICS professional guidance, global: Measured surveys of land, buildings and utilities, 3rd edition Collaboration gives children 'seat at table' in city planning This podcast is supported by The Heritage Council.

    28 min
  8. Martha Farrell Discusses Enhancing the Role of Young People in the future of Historic Town Centres

    11/20/2020

    Martha Farrell Discusses Enhancing the Role of Young People in the future of Historic Town Centres

    In this episode, Alison speaks to Martha Farrell from IT Tralee. Martha has been involved in four CTCHC projects in County Kerry to date – Tralee (the first CTCHC completed), Listowel, Kilarney and Dingle, and in this episode, she shares their key findings. Martha discusses the importance of involving young people and students in the future of our town centres, generational consumer research, and the idea of linking the consumer to the commercial sector in order to better meet the needs of the customer. The two speak about encouraging a collaborative retail community and networking, mentorship opportunities for businesses including IT Tralee's new BA in Retail Experience Management, the need for an online Irish town centre data portal, and the Programme for Government’s emerging Town Centre First Policy. Tralee Town Centre Health Check BA Retail Experience Management  This podcast is supported by The Heritage Council.

    30 min
  9. Damir Hajduk highlights the role of EC DG GROW in guiding the future of town centres after Covid-19

    11/18/2020

    Damir Hajduk highlights the role of EC DG GROW in guiding the future of town centres after Covid-19

    In this episode Alison speaks to Damir Hejduk from EC DG GROW. Damir shares insight on his background, his role at EC DG GROW, and the key aims and objectives of the organisation. Damir discusses DG GROW initiatives - existing and planned, and how they support collaboration and partnerships. The two discuss Ireland’s need for a data-driven public sector, the importance of an online presence for retail SMEs, e-Commerce trends and patterns before and during Covid-19, and what Ireland should do about town centres from a European and Green Deal perspective. State of the Union Address by President von Der Leyden at the European Parliament Plenary Facing the future: Practical guide for fostering the revitalisation and modernisation of the small retail sector This podcast is supported by The Heritage Council.

    29 min
  10. Tara Buckley highlights that retail SMEs are the backbone of the country and our town centres

    11/13/2020

    Tara Buckley highlights that retail SMEs are the backbone of the country and our town centres

    In this episode Alison Harvey talks to Tara Buckley who is Director General of RGDATA. Tara discusses why the Retail Grocers Trade Association is so invested in Ireland’s planning policy and the overwhelming need for a more integrated policy for town centres. Tara speaks about why RGDATA supports a collaborative approach to town centre regeneration and the unique role played by independent grocery/convenience shops in our historic towns. The two discuss the Programme for Government’s Town Centre First Policy, how this can be progressed, and what programmes could deliver it. Tara also gives examples of independent grocers in towns that are engaged in successful collaboration and are seeing tangible results. EXCERPT RGDATA Budget Submission 2021: Town Centres First RGDATA Submission Review of Framework for Town Centre Renewal  This podcast is supported by The Heritage Council.

    32 min
  11. Dr Philip Crowe discusses incentives to reduce vacant buildings in town centres

    11/11/2020

    Dr Philip Crowe discusses incentives to reduce vacant buildings in town centres

    In this episode, Alison Harvey, the CTCHC Programme Manager, talks to Dr Philip Crowe from UCD’s new Centre for Irish Towns (CfIT). Philip shares insight on his background and his new role, and discusses the aims and objectives of the Centre for Irish Towns including planned research with other EU Member States. The two discuss Philip’s research undertaken for the Heritage Council on incentives to reduce vacant buildings in town centres in Scotland, Denmark and France, compulsory sale orders vs. compulsory purchase orders, along with the key findings of a six-town research project, as part of the ‘lessons learned’ on the Pilot Living Towns Initiative for the former Dept of Community and Rural Development. Research reports: The Town Centre Living Initiative: Six Pilot Towns: Synthesis Report Research into Incentives for the Reuse of Vacant Buildings in Town Centres  This podcast is supported by The Heritage Council.

    30 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

This is a brand new podcast from the Heritage Council and Partners, which aims to engage practitioners, stakeholders, civic leaders and community groups in a ‘collective discussion’ on the key issues facing our town centres today and to explore innovative and collaborative solutions at a local, regional, national and international level. A Podcast for the CTCHC Programme is much-needed in Ireland as the recent Covid-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on our town centres and has created a ‘cultural shift’ in patterns and trends in relation to how we live and consume. In addition, the CTCHC Programme research has clearly demonstrated that many of our town centres were struggling before the pandemic. At the same time, the pandemic has also presented significant opportunities for small towns to attract people who can now work from home using Wi-fi – hence, reducing their daily commute and enhancing their overall quality of life.

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