Shaping the Future of Portsmouth - Essay Example

Gunwharf Quays Portsmouth Overview of Night time Economy of the Area Gunwharf Quays is predominantly public space, and it plays host to nearly 50 events a year. Some of the events conducted at this place are; concerts, carnivals and themed days. In addition, Golden Jubilee visit by Her Majesty The Queen, The Tall Ships Race, the EDS Atlantic Challenge Race, and other major tourist events have also been conducted at Gunwharf Quays. The development at this place encourages visitors to eschew arrival by car. To this end it provides a pedestrian walkway to the main bus and coach terminus, and a bicycle storage area. Moreover, the funding provided to the council was utilised for improving the notorious accident prone areas and a number of road junctions (The Berkeley Group, 2012). Approximately 31 cities and night time economy centres of the UK have been granted the Purple Flag status. These include, Bournemouth, Bristol, Leicester Square, and Winchester. Upon adopting this methodology for improving evening and night time offer, Gunwharf Quays can acquire the Purple Flag accreditation. In addition, it will be able to provide better and varied evening and night time fare for those who reside, work, study or visit Portsmouth (Shaping the Future of Portsmouth, 2013). As such, the Purple Flag accreditation informs visitors that there is vibrant, easy and safe access to evening entertainment. Moreover, it would provide businesses with a lucrative area to invest in. This accreditation emerged from the research project conducted by the Civic Trust. This project discerned that centres are used to a greater extent at night, only when they are accessible, safe and provide variety (Shaping the Future of Portsmouth, 2013). Moreover, the presence of a diverse clientele enhances perceptions. In this context, the Portsmouth Community Safety Survey 2012 demonstrated the presence of a substantial difference betwixt the perception of crime and anti-social behaviour, in comparison to the actual experience of such crime. Furthermore, the presence of a vast array of attractions and consumers results in long term economic viability and improved tourism (Shaping the Future of Portsmouth, 2013). A pragmatic and all inclusive audit of the evening and late night economy is provided by the Purple Flag accreditation process of the Association of Town Centre Managers. The evaluation is on the basis of certain specific criteria. Some of these are appeal or the wide variety of venues providing several different types of activity. Movement or the presence of safe, well managed and affordable public transport. Such transport has to incorporate effective movement and dispersal of visitors. Another factor is that of wellbeing, which requires the presence of a safe, clean and welcoming city at night, for residents, as well as visitors. Moreover, public space has to be put to optimal use, in order to provide an attractive and convenient place for being visited at night. Finally, every policy has to include night time considerations (Portsmouth City Council, 2012). In addition, great offers can be availed of in Gunwharf Quays. For instance, a customer obtained a massive discount on the purchase of an exotic pair of shoes at the LK Bennett Stores. In fact, this shop had sold the shies for £39, whereas the actual cost was £90. This area has experienced a tremendous increase in the number of tourists. In one particular year, more than 300,000 visitors had arrived at this place, for the express purpose of viewing the Trafalgar fireworks display (City Life, 2006). Furthermore, a fabulous John Lewis department store is to become operational in the Northern Quarter of Portsmouth. The Gunwharf Quays and Spinnaker Tower have proved to be quite successful, and plans have been made to develop other such areas of Portsmouth. The success of these efforts became evident during the Trafalgar celebrations, which was covered by the international media, via live television. This event was viewed across the world. In addition, the Volvo Ocean Race was inaugurated at Gunwharf Quays, which drew an enormous crowd of visitors. This event was extensively covered by the media (City Life, 2006). Portsmouth boasts of a significant Arthur Conan Doyle collection. Its exhibition proved to be a momentous occasion, with a large crowd of visitors. As such, Portsmouth had traditionally been a popular destination, due to its being a seaside area, its naval connections, and the presence of the Royal Marines, the Historic Dockyard and the D-day Museums (City Life, 2006). In addition, Gunwharf Quays has commenced to attract visitors in large numbers from other places. As such, the American Bar, which is in the vicinity of the Gunwharf Quays has emerged as a popular destination. It boasts of a coal fireplace, and it is renowned for its cleanliness and outstanding décor. This fabulous place was constructed in 1784, and was known as the Shipwright Arms. This place employs vivacious and gracious girls, and the atmosphere is informal and friendly. Moreover, it displays outstanding photography (City Life, 2006). Moreover, the Express Holiday Inn is located centrally in Gunwharf Quays, the latter constitutes a prime waterfront development with 100 outlet shops, 25 bars and restaurants and a significant array of entertainment venues. These are some of the best in the world. In addition, this area contains the Spinnaker Tower, which has a height of 170 metres. The Southampton International Airport can be reached in half an hour, and the Historic Dockyard and Portsmouth Harbour are just a two-minute walk (City Life, 2006). The Gunwharf Quays has significantly helped in rendering Portsmouth a favoured place for shopping and leisure. There has been a significant spurt in cultural activity, with approximately six million visitors every year. As such, the city centre has to be transformed into the focus of shopping, jobs, and leisure for the entire South East Hampshire region. The retail sector in the city centre tends to be lacklustre, causing residents and visitors seek other destinations (Portsmouth City Council, 2014). Portsmouth failed to construct shopping facilities, like the other cities. Thus, Portsmouth deteriorated from the 72nd place in 1999 to the 101st place in 2008. During this period, Southampton improved its position from 28th to 17th place. Portsmouth’s council decided to collaborate with Centros, in order to improve its city centre (Portsmouth City Council, 2014). This could improve investment in the city centre’s northern section. Visitor economy is crucial for this place, and it generates around £373million, as the amount spent by visitors, every year. This amount supports the jobs, facilities and services for the local residents (Portsmouth City Council, 2014). Customer who use the Night Time Provision The Gunwharf Quays constitutes a premium outlet destination of the South of England. It is visited by more than eight million visitors every year. However, visitors from other regions have to be induced to come to this place. This resulted in the strategy to improve sales. The built environment and facilities have been improved substantially, and a novel and impressive marketing campaign has been undertaken. Moreover, international tourists are being strongly induced to visit the Gunwharf Quays (Young, 2014). Portsmouth is not devoid of domestic and sexual abuse, and to prevent these atrocious acts, hundreds of men and women assembled in Gunwharf Quays and participated in the Reclaim The Night annual event. This procession aimed to restore safety and enhance awareness about the high levels of violence against females (Mistry, 2015). The evening and late night economy of Portsmouth has grown tremendously, during the recent past. Regeneration of inner city areas, such as the Gunwharf Quays, has created several employment opportunities. However, the evening economy can be expanded much more substantially. Alcohol has emerged as a significant component of the local economy, due to the expansion of the local economy and the liberalisation of entertainment and alcohol laws (Clarke & Knobel, 2014). However, increased alcohol consumption has caused some harm to the local economy. First, many Portsmouth residents avoid certain areas, due to the prevalence of drunkards and drinking on the streets. Second, 7, 799 crimes were reported in the year 2004, most of these being the outcome of alcohol abuse. Third, around 1, 000 incidents took place inside and outside clubs, and 2,635 incidents transpired in the street. Fourth, just 4% of locations were responsible for 45% of the total violent crime in Portsmouth (Clarke & Knobel, 2014). (Clarke & Knobel, 2014). The above is a graphical representation of the crime situation. Guildhall Walk and the South Parade areas of Portsmouth have witnessed criminal acts. These are some of the major entertainment areas of this place. The majority of the criminal incidents took place between 11pm and 3am, on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights (Clarke & Knobel, 2014). Nevertheless, the South Parade, comprised of nightclubs and late night take-away premises, exhibited the highest violent crime rate in Portsmouth. Most of the persons involved in crime were inebriated. However, most of the assaults transpired inside the clubs. Another area of Portsmouth that is renowned for violent crime is the Guildhall Walk, which is second only to the South Parade for the incidence of violent crime. This area has a high concentration of licenced premises that have been described as High Volume Vertical Drinking Establishments (Clarke & Knobel, 2014). Moreover, the Purple Flag constitutes an accreditation process that is akin to the Green Flag Award that is bestowed upon parks and the Blue Flag for beaches. Town centres that fulfil or surpass the standards of excellence stipulated with respect to managing the evening and night time economy are provided with the Purple Flag status. It constitutes a comprehensive group of standards, management processes and good practices that facilitate the transformation of town and city centres at night. In addition, it is a programme involving research, training and development that enables towns and cities to better their evening and night time economy. Finally, it can be described as a positive initiative that signifies a safe, enjoyable, diverse and entertaining foray into the night life of that place (Assocation of Town & City Management, 2013). In the past, Gunwharf Quays was a Royal Navy base, subsequently, the Royal Navy abandoned it, and Portsmouth concentrated upon its development. Gradually, this place has emerged as a world class waterfront destination. It boasts of a marina that consists of a 550 metres pontoon berthing for yachts. This has been regarded as being of a very high quality (Sailing Almanac, n.d.). In 1194, Richard I let out land for the development of a dockyard. Thereafter, he constructed a dock for the royal galleys. This place came to be known as Richard’s Docks. Subsequently, this was known as Gunwharf Quays. It boasts of the Spinnaker tower which is the tallest building in England, with the exception to those located in London (Darg, 2007). It has been stated by the Steering Group that a new strategy would prove to be beneficial in developing the evening and late night economy. To this end, several retail outlets, located in Commercial Road have been approached in connection with keeping their business places open for longer periods. This could generate activity and entertainment in Commercial Road. Furthermore, police deployment was altered with a view to promote the night time economy. To this end, the police undertook a classification of the night time economy areas into Zone 1 consisting of Guildhall Walk, Commercial Road and Hampshire Terrace; Zone 2 comprised of Gunwharf Quays; and Zone 3 consisting of Southsea (Portsmouth Government, 2012). Moreover, the police have taken strong measures to curb anti-social conduct. As such Gunwharf Quays area is eligible for the Purple Flag accreditation. It maintains the safety of the area for night programmes. Its overall wellbeing attracts tourists from all over the world. The Gunwharf Quays is a well maintained place with night time economy and a low level crime rate. It has all the core standards required for the Purple Flag accreditation. As per the above discussion, it can be surmised that the Gunwharf Quays is best suited area for the Purple Flag accreditation, in comparison to the other areas in Portsmouth. References Assocation of Town & City Management, 2013. Welcome to Purple Flag. [online] Available at: [Accessed 18 January 2015]. City Life, 2006. Portsmouth: Get with the times. [online] Available at: [Accessed 19 January 2015]. Clarke, S. C. & Knobel, A., 2014. Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for Portsmouth 2006-2009. [online] Available at: [Accessed 18 January 2015]. Darg, S., 2007. Gunwharf Quays Portsmouth. [online] Available at: [Accessed 19 January 2015]. Mistry, P., 2015. Hundreds take part in Portsmouth walk to reclaim the night. [online] Available at: [Accessed 18 January 2015]. Portsmouth City Council, 2012. The Cabinet. [online] Available at: [Accessed 19 January 2015]. Portsmouth City Council, 2014. Shaping the future of Portsmouth. [online] Available at: [Accessed 18 January 2015]. Portsmouth Government, 2012. Purple Flag Self Assessment Findings. [online] Available at: [Accessed 19 January 2015]. Sailing Almanac, n.d. Gunwharf Marina. [online] Available at: [Accessed 19 January 2015]. Shaping the Future of Portsmouth, 2013. Portsmouth-A Great Evening Out. [online] Available at: [Accessed 19 January 2015]. The Berkeley Group, 2012. Economic Impact Assessment. [online] Available at: [Accessed 19 January 2015]. Young, N., 2014. "Youve Breathed Life Into Our City.", London, UK: Land Securities Group PLC. Read More