10/08/2022
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Placemaking
At the start of 2022, WeAreWaterloo Business Improvement District commissioned architecture and design firm Allies & Morrison to create a Waterloo Placemaking Strategy. After months of research and engagement conducted by A&M that included workshops, surveys, one on one interviews and more, we are delighted to announce that the strategy is now complete and can be viewed as an interactive PDF here.
The strategy segments Waterloo into distinct areas and proposes over 150 different public realm and marketing-based projects that are designed to make Waterloo a more enjoyable place to work, live and visit. It is designed to live on through change in the area and will help shape the development of Waterloo long-term by providing the BID and other local institutions with a framework for action and intervention. We are all greatly looking forward to rolling out further initiatives and schemes from the strategy with the aim of bringing positive change to the neighbourhood.
One such project that we’re launching as part of the strategy is the Redesign – Shopfront Upgrade Grant Scheme which is designed to empower local businesses to renovate their units. For this, WeAreWaterloo is offering grants of up to £5,000 per business to spend on aspects such as painting, signage, planting, lighting, window dressing, etc. More information about the Redesign – Shopfront Upgrade Scheme can be found here.
WeAreWaterloo’s Chief Executive, Natalie Raben, says, “We are really pleased with how the strategy came out and can’t wait to get started on the projects! Thank you to all the local businesses that helped inform the placemaking research, we hope that you’ll continue sharing your important perspectives as we begin putting this document into action.”
Finally, we will be thanking all those that supported the creation of this placemaking strategy by inviting member businesses and other relevant stakeholders to an official placemaking launch party on Wednesday 5 October. This will be an opportunity for many things: wine, cheese, nibbles AND a chance to gain member feedback on which projects should be prioritised first. Invitations will be sent out in September.
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