Discover Bideford: Unveiling Regeneration Strategy & 'Love Bideford' Campaign

The town of Bideford has taken a significant step towards its regeneration goals with the unveiling of a comprehensive Regeneration Strategy through the recently launched Discover Bideford website. Simultaneously, a vibrant promotional campaign called 'Love Bideford' has been launched, featuring eye-catching displays at bus stops, street furniture, and flags strategically placed throughout the town. This campaign aims to guide both residents and visitors towards the Discover Bideford website, which serves as the ultimate digital resource for all things Bideford whilst bringing even more colour to the heart of the town.

The 'Love Bideford' campaign is an exciting in-town initiative that combines traditional and digital advertising methods to highlight the key elements that make Bideford's community strong and vibrant. From its diverse range of independent shops and speciality markets to its delightful dining scene, unique heritage, thriving arts and crafts scene, and an impressive events program, the campaign showcases the town's many attractions. Featuring an impactful colour palette of vibrant blue and purple, the campaign captures the town's creative personality and deep connection to the water while raising awareness of the Discover Bideford website.

The Discover Bideford website was initially soft-launched to town traders, businesses, and community groups at the end of last year. The goal was to create a comprehensive online platform that celebrates everything there is to love about this riverside town. Prior to the website's launch, Bideford lacked an active digital presence, resulting in many of its activities and events going unnoticed. The promotional campaign aims to position the Discover Bideford website as the go-to digital hub for finding information about events and activities in the town.

Spearheaded by the Bideford Regeneration Board, the website stands as a flagship project for the town's revitalisation efforts. In 2022, Bideford was selected as one of eight coastal and market towns in Devon to receive support from Devon County Council's Urban Renewal Programme. The Regeneration Board, consisting of key stakeholders such as the Bideford Bridge Trust, TTVS, Bideford College, community and youth representatives, and officials from Bideford Town Council, Torridge District Council, and Devon County Council, has been diligently directing and overseeing various projects. The board's primary objective is to unlock growth, enhance the vibrancy of the town, and facilitate future funding opportunities.

Sean Kearney, Head of Communities and Place at Torridge Council, emphasised the importance of collective support for the town during these challenging times. Sean said, "The town centre needs our collective support, and the Regeneration Board recognised the need to establish a strong, relevant digital and social media presence for Bideford. Thus, the Discover Bideford website was created. It continues to evolve, and as the town's showcase, anyone with a business, event, or any connection to Bideford should ensure they are part of it. Remember, it's free to participate — simply get in touch with the team via the Discover Bideford website. The website also offers a wealth of advice and tips on event management and how to get involved in future projects."

Join the exciting transformation of Bideford and explore all that the town has to offer by visiting https://discoverbideford.co.uk/ Access the Bideford Regeneration Strategy, provide feedback, and get involved at https://discoverbideford.co.uk/bideford-regeneration-strategy

June 23