Retail Destinations that offer escapism and real community

A centre Manager’s remit stretches far and wide, so delegates heard from a variety of speakers ranging from the Homeland Security Group at the Home Office to an Urban Greening start-up in order to address current management challenges with everything from security to sustainability.

We received a teaser on the UK government Bill, Protect Duty which is coming up in November following a review and consultation instigated after the terror attacks at Manchester Arena, Westminster Bridge and London Bridge. “We’ve relied on the good work of people like yourselves who’ve got a real interest in making sure your areas and locations are safe,” said Phil Wilkinson from the Homeland Security Group. Up until now, the legislation has focused on things like health and safety and fire safety but it will soon extend to policy on security and terror threats. The venues and spaces included will be locations that are publicly or privately owned including high streets, retail stores, shopping centres and markets.

The case for retail and leisure destinations to have clear policies with regard to protests and antisocial behaviour was presented by Dawn Osbourne, founder of NOVA. Having spent 26 years in shopping centre management, Osbourne characterised real community with critical situation policies that are effectively communicated to protect customers, tenants and staff. Digitalising critical communications, operational messages as well as tools to quickly report and analyse performance encompass the connection and community we build with Retail Advantage. Delving further into the digital layer of placemaking, ART’s director Gareth Jordan hosted a session with Anand Basu-Attwood, Commercial Operations Manager of Resorts World Birmingham during the Innovation hour.