Management of District Centres
Urban and economic development in most European cities has in the last decades led to a decay of their district centres in terms of local economies, social cohesion and demographic balance. On the one hand, both in the metropolitan areas and medium-sized cities consumers are kept in city centres through an increasing number of shopping centres leading to lower demand of individual mobility. On the other hand, for those inhabitants living off these inner city shopping centres in the district centres suffering from this development.
In particular, demand-oriented diversification of the local retail and service sectors is lacking. In order to strengthen traditional locations in the small cities and district centres off the prospering city centres, joint effort is required. The MANDIE project explores the management of district centres in Europe, focusing on key themes; governance, marketing and retail. Partners aim at stopping declining process and rather enhancing the attractiveness and economic performance of district centres. Interdisciplinary study modules help to educate future district and place manager. Research activities contribute to understand district centres and their challenges better.
Concepts for Vibrant District Centres -
What's new?
MANDIE results published
The r
esults and findings of MANDIE which have been elaborated and proved during the project's running period are now available in form of a
threepart guide.
This guide contains the following features:
- Manual for District Centre Managers. Results of the Project MANDIE (available in English and German)
- Survival Kit for Retail in Suburban Districts. A smart guide to successful retailing in declining areas (available in English and French)
- Toolbox. Examples of Good Practice for Vibrant Distrct Centres (available in English and German)
MANDIE Final Conference "Strong District Centres for Vital Cities"
On Thursday, 15th September 2011 the MANDIE project will present its results to the public. On the final conference "Strong District Centres for Vital Cities. Stimulus for the European Urban Development through the Project MANDIE" in Stuttgart the future importance of district centres and possible supportive measures will be discussed in high ranking political speeches. After that, the examples of best practices implemented by the project partners will illustrate key themes and challenges of district centre management.
MANDIES roll back for Rock visit
The MANDIE partners visited the Rock in Bury again to see how the town centre has been transformed after the Rock's opening. In summer 2009, Bury hosted a study visit to showcase the Rock development which at that time was still under construction. The people of Bury now have a contemporary and vibrant place to shop, said one of the participants enjoying the tour in November 2010.
MANDIE - Newsletter available
From now on the
MANDIE newsletter will inform you regularely about latest developments within the project. You are invited to subscribe to this newsletter, learn more about district centre management and gain new ideas for your daily work!
MANDIE - the project
This project tackles problems of selected district centres in Northwest Europe. In close collaboration of municipalities, universities and associations, remedies for the decline of district centres throughout Europe are developed. Thus MANDIE stands for:
- Professionalism among those responsible for city district management
- Stepping up brand building of district centres
- Stabilising urban neighbourhoods through Urban Governance structures
- Revitalising inner-city service structures
- Vacancy management for attractive neighbourhoods
Detailed information on the project can be found
here...
The European City today
The 'European City' is undergoing a renaissance. Its polycentric structure is characterized by a fine functional, physical and social structuring. Beyond the city centres, the smaller and traditionally grown district centres serve the local supply of inhabitants. They offer specific services for the citizens' everyday needs, they possess potentials for belongings and identification, and they play a major role for local labour markets.