KENDAL VISION - INSPIRATION FOR CHANGE IN KENDAL

CONVERSATIONS WITH EMPLOYERS, PARTNERS & STAKEHOLDERS Fundamental to the success of the town is the presence of the larger employers. Unlike most towns, making is still strong here. These industries, along with the other key stakeholders, landowners, and decision makers, called for the Vision. The visioning team had one-to-one meetings, smaller forums and a dedicated session for employers and key stakeholders at the beginning of the public participation event. This was in recognition of their role in catalysing and undertaking future change in the town. The discussion was wide ranging and overwhelmingly positive. They grasped the need for change, understanding their responsibility and role in achieving it. The key points of recognition and consensus were: • The quality of the town and the pride of their place within it. • The need to retain and attract talented, working age employees. • T he need for desirable, affordable and convenient family housing for their future employees. • Frustration with the inertia of change and the delays caused by the planning process. • The need for the business area north of the river and railway to be better serviced by road. • The lack of strategic planning to promote and encourage business innovation. • High business rents and rates. KENDAL VISION 2020 | THE PROCESS 20