Driving Town Centre Regeneration: The Strategic Role of Local Business Engagement

Town centre regeneration is not just about physical upgrades — it’s about designing functional, adaptable spaces that meet current needs while enabling future growth. A core part of achieving this is involving local businesses early and meaningfully in the planning process.

A Practical Approach to Engagement

At the latest Visit Bolsover meeting, Dragonfly officers Therasa Garrod, Lorri Darby and Amelia Carter worked to ensure local business consultation was embedded from the outset. Rather than a one-time survey or static feedback form, the team have implemented a phased engagement strategy that included targeted workshops, business forums, and sector-specific consultations.

Key takeaways from these sessions included:

• Prioritising access and visibility for independent retailers

• Improving the usability and safety of public realm spaces

• Creating flexible-use areas for events, markets, and seasonal activations

• Supporting adaptive re-use of vacant buildings for business incubation or co-working

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

Sites identified as part of the £15million regeneration programme include 5 key projects in Bolsover town centre; these include converting former large retail and hospitality units into mixed-use spaces, aligning public realm enhancements with customer flow patterns, and developing retail opportunities for creative makers and local community businesses.

By aligning regeneration priorities with the operational needs of local businesses, we’re ensuring a more resilient and commercially viable town centre.

As implementation continues, we’re committed to maintaining open lines of communication with the business community — not only to inform design, but also to support activation, investment attraction, and long-term economic sustainability.

Find out more about the Regeneration Programme here: Regeneration Projects | Dragonfly Bolsover