Peer says culture bid could boost ILEX plan

Lord Michael Bichard elaborated on this theme at a talk hosted by the Chief Executive's Forum, Institute of Directors and ILEX URC at the University of Ulster at Magee on Tuesday, May 11, 2010.

Lord Bichard is Executive Director of the Institute for Government and Chairman of the Design Council and is a highly respected figure in both local and central government circles.

His talk on "The Importance of Culture and Creativity in Regeneration," focused on the concept of "Total Place" and was followed by a question and answer session.

"Total Place" is a whole-area approach which seeks to facilitate local providers as they aim to work together in new ways for the benefit of their clients and citizens as Lord Bichard explained.

"As Derry-Londonderry embarks on its regeneration plan, and seeks to become a focal point for cultural activity through its bid to become UK City of Culture 2013 the city is ideally positioned to embrace the concept of Total Place.

"Total Place is a 'whole area' approach to public services. It seeks to identify and avoid overlap and duplication between organisations - delivering a step change in both service improvement and efficiency at the local level, as well as across government departments," he said.

The Regeneration Plan for the Derry City Council Area aims to deliver economic, physical and social renewal - building a stronger and more vibrant economy with increased prosperity for the city and region.

Following Lord Bichard's talk and the joint session with the Institute and the Business School, John Hunter, Chair of the Chief Executives' Forum, said: "If we are to build a better future we must work together to produce comprehensive, area-based solutions that achieve better outcomes for all the people."

Joanne Stuart, Chairman of the IoD Northern Ireland Division, said: "The Institute believes that creative solutions need to be found to help our economy out of the current recession and that partnerships between the public and private sectors can contribute to the task. "The creative industries - so strong in Derry - have the potential to be one of the growth sectors for Northern Ireland so we are very interested to hear Lord Bichard's take on how culture and creativity can support regeneration."

Lord Bichard's visit to the North West has been organised by ILEX the city's Urban Regeneration Company.

"We are delighted that Lord Bichard has joined us to share his knowledge of Total Place and as we finalise our bid his seminal view on the fundamental importance of creativity and culture in successful regeneration is in valuable," said Ilex Chief Executive Aideen McGinley.