Bolsover - A New Ambition
A new project celebrating the distinctiveness and character of Bolsover, highlighting what makes it special and the opportunities for the development and promotion of both town and area, has been launched.
Focussing on a new ambition for investment and regeneration, the aim of the project is to build a consistent and joined-up approach to telling the Bolsover story. A staff team, who are leading on the £15million investment funded projects, have been working with strategic place consultants, thinkingplace, to achieve the very best outcome for people living, working, studying and doing business in the area.
The Bolsover Place Programme launch event took place on Thursday 11th July, at the beautiful Balborough Hall School. Over 80 people from across the region’s businesses, joined the Dragonfly Management team and enjoyed hearing from key stakeholders’ including Karen Hanson, Chief Executive of Bolsover District Council and Nikki Waters, General Manager of Hardwick Hall and Stainsby Mill. There were inspiring speeches from members of a newly created Place Board, outlining how each of the priorities will impact and benefit the place – improving public realm, celebrating the Bolsover Loop trail network, showcasing tourist attractions and supporting local communities to reach out and connect with business and industry.
The new narrative sets the scene that Bolsover is a beautiful area, brimming with potential - with scenic landscapes and green space with the Peak District National Park and Sherwood Forest nearby. It is an attractive and affordable place to live and will be more so when a new sixth form college is completed. It also has fantastic visitor attractions either within it, such as Bolsover Castle, Creswell Crags or nearby such as Chatsworth House.
Bolsover has always been a place with a strong work ethic forged during the industrial revolution and is an attractive location for business. Its proximity to Sheffield, Nottingham and Derby along with their universities; supports growing the knowledge economy and fosters innovation, forward thinking and connection.
Sam Whelan, from PlatformThirty1 and a member of the Place Board, outlines, “People around here are proud. Proud of the heritage that connects them to this place. Proud of the landscape that visitors come to enjoy. Proud of each other, their shared stories and what is possible for future generations that live here. Proud to be a Bolsover resident. To be a part of the Bolsover community is to be a part of that story.”
The team are now delivering a comprehensive action plan covering three priority areas – the visitor experience, a great value living location, and business support, employability, and the knowledge economy.
This project is not about creating a logo or strapline, this is about a fresh approach to developing and promoting the area, doing things differently, and developing a network of Bolsover Champions – people who can lead change, influence, innovate and connect new networks of people together.
Therasa Garrod, Tourism and Place Manager for Dragonfly Management, adds, “Timing is everything, and the launch of the Bolsover Place Programme couldn’t have come at a better time. As the lead partner on several funding initiatives, the district council is paving the way to ensure the place brand is embedded across all project areas, such as the £15m regeneration fund, UK SPF visitor economy projects, Rural Fund waymarking and infrastructure, and other emerging funding opportunities, through the Arts Council England.”
It is hoped that the project timeline will include a new outdoor sculpture trail, development of a town centre creative hub, netwalking programme, housing and property network and retail opportunities for local artisans and makers.
Visit the website: www.bolsover-uk.com
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