A NEW centres manager has vowed to make shopping areas more vibrant after being appointed by Bromsgrove District Council.
Simon Creed has taken over the helm and will be responsible for the town centre, Aston Fields, Catshill, Rubery, Alvechurch, Barnt Green, Hagley and Wythall.
The role was introduced in 2016 and has already seen projects come to fruition like the Indie Club Christmas after party, active involvement in the PubWatch scheme and most recently the launch of BirdBox.
Simon has lived in the district for almost ten years and says he will use his local knowledge to make the post a continued success.
“Living in the District I believe I understand what people want from their centres and by talking to and working with local businesses, traders and organisations I want to build on the projects which are already in place to create even more vibrant areas for residents and visitors.
“Of course these are challenging times but this will give me time to explore our centres, where safely possible and work on a strategy which will make a difference to everyone.”
Simon’s background is primarily within the arts and live entertainment industry. He has been fortunate enough to work for some of the regions’ leading arts organisations, including Birmingham Hippodrome, the Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham Town Hall and Symphony Hall and most recently Artrix.
Council leader Coun Karen May wished Simon every success and said: “It is vital we have an on the ground connection between our independent and national traders and the council.
“Our small businesses are our main concern at the moment in light of the latest lockdown but we have to celebrate the creativity of our traders in looking a different ways to still operate in these tricky times.”
