FI17062

Request

  1. Could you please explain the responsibilities and remit of the Town Centre Manager?
  2. Could you please provide the costs of the Town Centre Manager? 
  3. Could you please explain the role and targets for the Town Centre Manager? 
  4. Could you please give a job description of the Town Centre Manager? 
  5. Could you detail the previous benefits the Town Centre Managerhas brought to Deal Sandwich and Dover the last two full council years? 
  6. Could you example and explain how and with whom the Town Centre Managerengages with and what the outcomes have been in the last two full council years?

Response

1. The responsibilities and remit of the role are set out in the Economic Development and Town Centre Manager job description (attached).

2. This information is exempt from disclosure under Section 40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act as releasing this information would identify the salary of an individual member of staff.  Personal data is defined by Article 4(1) of GDPR and also Section 3 of the Data Protection Act 2018 and the release of this data would contravene the data protection principles. 

3. The overall role of the post is set out in the job description (attached). Targets are reviewed and updated annually.  For 2026, the key targets are: 

  • Deliver placemaking projects that enhance town centre vitality
  • Organise events to increase footfall, dwell time, and spend
  • Re-establish and coordinate the Streetscene group
  • Take action to reduce the number of vacant and poorly maintained shops
  • Work with the Planning Enforcement team to improve the appearance of premiseso 

Management responsibilities include overseeing the Business Support and Development Officer, with objectives to: 

  • Maintain a comprehensive business contact database
  • Continue to develop strong relationships with local businesses
  • Provide advice on Council services and business responsibilities
  • Circulate relevant information, opportunities, and updates
  • Identify and share funding and business support opportunities

4. This is set out in the attachment.

5. Over the past two years, the Economic Development and Town Centre Manager has delivered the following: 

  • Worked with Planning Enforcement and property owners to improve the appearance of vacant and poorly maintained premises
  • Delivered placemaking initiatives, including:
    • a Town Sprucer trial
    • bunting and artwork installations
    • jet washing
    • a Christmas 'decorated window' competition
    • defibrillator installations (plus free training sessions for town centre businesses)
  • Delivered events to increase footfall, including Dinosaur Day, live entertainment in Market Square, and a Christmas event in Sandwich
  • Conducted regular inspections of town centres, identifying and following up on issues such as graffiti, fly-posting, litter, potholes, and public toilet maintenance
  • Coordinated with internal Council services (e.g. parking enforcement, waste collection, street cleaning) to maintain standards
  • Supported and welcomed new businesses into town centres
  • Provided advice, information and support to businesses on topics such as funding opportunities, licensing, planning, traffic issues, food safety, and business rates
  • Gathered business feedback during periods of significant disruption (e.g. port congestion) to support wider advocacy work
  • Collaborated with local organisations such as Dover in Bloom and Sandwich Town Team
  • Developed and maintained a regularly updated database of vacant retail units
  • Attended networking events
  • Assisted with 'Best bar none' inspections of town centre hospitality businesses

6. The officer engages with a wide range of stakeholders, including: 

  • Local businesses
  • Town Councils
  • Kent Police
  • Charities and voluntary organisations
  • Key partners such as the Port of Dover, Town Councils and local Chambers of Trade 

Outcomes of this engagement include: 

  • Improved communication and stronger relationships between the Council and local businesses
  • Increased participation in events and initiatives
  • Enhanced coordination of town centre improvements and activities
  • Better-informed responses to local economic challenges
  • Increased collaboration across organisations to maximise impact

Attachments

Attachment