Engagement with communities key for shopping centre managers - Jo

4.49.34pm GMT Wed 1st Mar 2006

Jo calls for community engagement from shopping centre managers as Michael Green, Chief Executive of BCSC and Bridget Rosewell of Volterra Consulting listen in

Jo Swinson MP has urged shopping centre managers to maximise the role played by shopping centres in the community.

Addressing an audience of shopping centre asset and general managers at the BCSC Retail Property Organisation conference in Edinburgh yesterday, Jo drew on her experience as a former marketing manager with media company SpaceandPeople.

She gave a presentation on 'The Political Backdrop' to shopping centre management, and explained how shopping centre managers could gain from engaging with elected representatives.

Following her presentation, Jo commented:

"Shopping centres can benefit their communities in numerous ways, not just by bringing commerce to an area, but by hosting local events and becoming a focal point in the community.

"By developing good working relationships with politicians at local and national levels, shopping centre managers will find they can more readily further the goal of putting shopping centres at the heart of communities.

"The Regent Centre in Kirkintilloch is a good example of a shopping centre that acts as a focal point for community events. A number of activities at last year's Kirky Canal Festival took place in the Regent Centre and for many, a visit there is as much a social experience as it is a shopping trip."

BCSC represents the Retail Property Industry. Formerly known as the British Council of Shopping Centres, the organisation now covers outlet centres, retail parks, mixed-used schemes and other managed retail destinations such as high streets, as well as shopping centres.

Over 600 shopping centre managers attended this year's conference in Edinburgh, which ran from 27th February to 1st March.

Related Link:

BCSC Homepage