The Watermark Centre

The Watermark, Ivybridge: Meeting Needs, Raising Aspirations, Delivering Results : 

The Watermark, Ivybridge: Meeting Needs, Raising Aspirations, Delivering Results Keith Brown & Angela King Devon Reinvestment Service

Devon Reinvestment Service : 

Devon Reinvestment Service Who are we? Partnership of Devon County Council (Regeneration), Wessex Reinvestment Trust & Business in the Community What do we do? Assist communities to develop assets: Community engagement Partnership Building Property Development Skills Finance & Business Planning Whole Project Management Approach

What is ‘The Watermark’, Ivybridge? : 

What is ‘The Watermark’, Ivybridge? Multi-purpose community hub New 450sqm library ICT centre/training space One Stop Info shop/ TIC Large multi-purpose hall Meeting rooms Function catering, bar & cafe Serviced business space £5m partnership project Completed April 2008

Purpose & Aims : 

Purpose & Aims ‘Community Anchor’ to act as a ‘focal point’ for local service delivery Welcoming, bright, family-friendly space Bring increased footfall into the town Increase local business confidence & encourage new enterprise Ultimately, to create a more sustainable, self-sufficient community

Achievement so far…. : 

Achievement so far…. Outcome: ‘Community Anchor’ / ‘Welcoming, friendly space’ Evidence (April 08-09): 7 day a week usage >200,000 visitors 161% increase in library visits 573 events/bookings >30,000 requests for info Volunteering – ‘Friends of’ group New local access to services e.g. CAB, new Ivybridge Carers Group

Achievements so far….. : 

Achievements so far….. Outcome: ‘Increased Business Confidence’ Evidence: High occupancy rates for Watermark business units 22 FTE posts & numerous p/t posts Monthly business networking events Reinvigorated Chamber of Trade Nearly 50% less empty town centre shops; 13 businesses expanded / improved & 9 new enterprises £50,000 spend on local food 66% of suppliers within 15 miles Recognised regionally/nationally!

Why has it worked? : 

Why has it worked? Strong business case – built on evidence of need Strong & dynamic partnership – vision & determination Strong leadership & project management Pooling of skills & resources Strong PR & marketing message On-going ‘check-back’ & responsiveness throughout design/development & beyond Robust monitoring & evaluation – proving success

Project Origins: Rooted in the Community : 

Project Origins: Rooted in the Community MCTI Community Plan TOP PRIORITY PROJECT to address: Exponential population growth – 3,500 in 1970’s to over 12,500 now - plus lack of community facilities & infrastructure Lack of ‘market town’ presence/ heart & further threats from major new commercial developments Large rural hinterland with poor access to services Lack of support for entrepreneurs/business start-ups – affordable premises, training & advice Lack of opportunities to retain young people/those of employment age However, 3 years of consultation failed at first to attract statutory sector support/investment – needed help to prove the case..

Digging Deeper…. : 

Digging Deeper…. DRS help to uncovered & demonstrate local issues & needs around 5 themes: Employment prospects & new business ideas Access to services Training, learning, new skills Culture – film, performance, arts, exhibitions Pride - restoring the heart of ‘our’ market town Explored & tested in variety of ways Detailed feasibility work & options appraisal

Gathering Hard Evidence : 

Gathering Hard Evidence Demographics of the town held the clues! e.g. Women returners e.g. Cultural ‘leak’ Variety of techniques to test suspicions – questionnaires, taster sessions, targeted events…. Pieced together the jigsaw to create the whole picture - convinced funders & the rest is history!

A Lasting Impact/Legacy.. : 

A Lasting Impact/Legacy.. Building for the future – anticipates growth, flexibility of design, state of the art technology Visibility – landmark building, heart of the town, increasing pride & confidence Changing fortunes – a reason to come to/stay in Ivybridge, creating new markets, providing quality facilities & services not previously available, challenging perceptions. In-built sustainability – local involvement/lead, robust monitoring, reduced need to travel. Motivation – for Ivybridge - & elsewhere!

Key Messages for Today : 

Key Messages for Today Building a clear business case for investment decisions Going beyond / beneath published sources of information DCC as an enabler to help communities to prove that need themselves No blueprint – investment must reflect identified local need/circumstances

Want to find out more? : 

Want to find out more? Forthcoming event: Developing Community Assets Next THURSDAY @ THE WATERMARK www.devon.gov.uk/ developingcommunitiesfacilities.htm Email: Reinvest@devon.gov.uk Tel: 01392 382157