John Harvey, the City Centre Manager of Exeter, gave a presentation to the Rotary Club of Otter Valley about challenges and opportunities facing Exeter. He discussed the city center's record of investment and low vacancy rates but noted the need to maintain momentum. Harvey announced a new city center strategy that will be developed through wide consultation to map out Exeter's bright future. Key issues to address in the strategy include engaging diverse groups, extending the daytime economy into evenings, maintaining a safe and welcoming city, and positioning Exeter to meet challenges from e-commerce.

1. John Harvey
City Centre Manager
‘Exeter – Challenges & Opportunities’
Presentation to Rotary Club of Otter Valley

2. Current Position
 Last decade – period of major change, renewal &
investment…
 Record of investment second to none within the
regional context…
 Low vacancy rates…
 But no basis for complacency going forward…
 The most significant squeeze on public finances
in decades…
 Re-gearing of the relationship between business
and public authorities…

3. New City Centre Strategy
Mapping out a bright future...
 A strong platform on which to build…
 Document will represent a starting point for
discussion/dialogue/debate – wide-ranging
consultation exercise to be delivered…
 Timetable…
 No ‘absolutes’ at the start of the process…
 Strategy will be owned by the City Centre
Management Partnership, with widespread buy-in
essential…

5. Some Key Issues (1)…
 First impressions…
 Moving-on from a focus on the daytime and retail
economy…
 ‘Extending the day’… Connecting ‘day’ &
‘evening’ economies…
 ‘Safe City’… Welcoming to all… …at all hours
 Positioning to meet the challenges of e-
commerce & mobile technology…

6. Some Key Issues (2)…
 Maintaining the momentum of change, renewal &
investment…
 Maintaining competitive advantage…
 Role for business…
 Being honest about our weaknesses & threats…

7. Issues as we look to map out the
future…
 Engaging a wide range of groups
 Ideas… Imagination…
 What’s the perspective of our visitors…
…our shoppers
…our workers and colleagues
 What sort of City Centre do we want?
 There’s no problem with work streams that are
‘uncomfortable’ & challenging…

8. John Harvey Contacts:
e-mail – john.harvey@exeter.gov.uk
Mobile – 07795 438 297
Twitter – www.twitter.com/exeterccm