1st SMART Towns Masterclass

The introductory event looked at whether we could monitor the health of High Streets in the same way as we monitor our own health. Rather than counting footsteps can we count footfall? Rather than measuring the benefit of exercise can we measure the benefit of free parking and pedestrianised spaces? Rather than tracking our fitness over the year can we track the visitor numbers?

The technology exists and is already being used in Welsh towns to make informed decisions and plan for the future. Given the pressure on the High Street and the impact of COVID19 it’s important that businesses are able to exploit digital technology, in the same way as supermarkets and shopping centres have done for years.

These masterclasses are being held by Menter Môn through the Enterprise Hub and supported by the Welsh Government, as part of its ‘Transforming Towns’ town centre regeneration agenda.

1st Masterclass - Why create a SMART Town?

This masterclass will focused on exploring what a smart town is, what our towns can learn from the ‘smart cities’ movement globally and definined why Welsh towns would benefit from sensed data. We reviewed highlights from the introductory event and heard perspectives, case studies and lessons learnt from a range of speakers including Wendy Robertson from Aberdeen City Council, Steve Turner from the Connected Places Catapult, Stephen Meredith from Cardiff City Council, Clive Davies, Mayor of Cardigan Town and Linda Chandler, Global Smart Cities Advisor.

You can sign up for the next SMART webinar here, and see the whole series of our webinars here!