971392Smart Town CentreClosedSmall Business Research InitiativeInnovate UKThe purpose of Smart Town Centre is to explore the feasibility of consolidating existing town information provision via the development of a unified platform or ‘digital spine’. The platform will provide a single point of entry for High Street users to information which will enhance their experience of the town centre and promote efficient and sustainable access to High Street areas. The platform will promote the High Street as a conduit to the town centre core area and help to retain footfall and encourage a longer dwell time which leads to increased spending (town loyalty). It will enable more efficient use and effective coordination of existing data sets and information sources via a new location-aware map-based ‘spine’ which digitally interconnects the data sets and facilitates access to town centre transport services, and the use of informatics and statistical modelling. A number of outcomes will arise from this feasibility study. The principle one is that it will provide a truly innovative approach to joining up existing data/information systems such as tourist information, venues, public transport and car parking. This will lead to improved presentation of, and access to, a town’s visitor information to improve the visitor experience which will result in more repeat and recommended visits. Compared to other towns this will increase town image and reputation as a result of improvements in the town centre experience. Furthermore it will give an increased civic pride amongst a towns community as a result of improved experience and understanding of town centre and heritage in terms of buildings, characters and events. The proposal will lead to innovative use of a town’s WiFi network for business and leisure focused location-based services and improved awareness of businesses and their products together with services they offer. The project will also reveal opportunities for further development of other data sources which could be connected to the spine in the future. The study will also provide a better understanding of the factors that stimulate behaviour changes among consumers, visitors and retailers as well as identify opportunities for monetising the product.