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Manchester Visitor information Centre Manchester VisitorProposals InformationDocument Centre Contractors File 1 NW TIC Conference 8 April 2011 May 2010 Paul Simpson

The History • • • • •

Previous location – Town Hall Annexe Local authority feel Not representative of Manchester Very traditional Not loved!!

The Opportunity • • • •

Decant of the Town Hall Availability of NWDA funding TEAM footfall exercise A willingness on all parties

The Vision • • • •

Make a statement about Manchester To be a destination in it’s own right Contemporary, welcoming, high quality environment – a new model for urban TIC’s To vividly express what Manchester is, the direction it is taking “to be the best visitor information centre”

The Objectives • • • • • •

To be a leading and best practice example of a ‘Strategic TIC’ Visual style/branding to promote a unique sense of place Harness ICT - link into visitmanchester.com, state of the art facilities Focus on exceeding the needs and expectations of customers.

Increase visitor throughput and reconceive services through relocation and redesign, leading to greater economic impact To incorporate retail/commercial best practice design principles to maximise net income and reduce net costs.

The Timetable • • • • • • • • • • • • •

April 2008 - VII Bid accepted – location research Mar 09 - MCC instructed solicitors re lease the site Summer 09 - Concept discussions Sep 09 - First VII bid Oct 09 - NWDA response – questions re project scale Oct- Nov 09 - Bruntwood proposal for alternative site Dec 09 - Project rescoping with architects Jan 19th - MCC approval 60% funding Jan 20th - Final Bid submitted – project to start 1 March Feb 12th - Steering Group approval Mar 10th - Contract confirmed in writing Mar 19th - Lease completed. Works commence June 20th – new MVIC opens on Manchester Day

The Challenges • • • • • •

www.visitmanchester.com Budget Need to be inspirational Culture change IT/new media Balance between old and new

Manchester Visitor information Centre Contractors Proposals Document File 1 May 2010

The Reaction • • •

Very positive – staff and visitors Endorsement from across the city National endorsement

The Staff • • • •

Major change Forced to interact Brought along on journey Very positive reaction and attitude

The Costs • • •

£800k Financed by Manchester City Council and NWDA Marketing Manchester responsible for operational costs

The Technology • • • • •

Microsoft surfaces 20 screens – live Twitter feeds Large plasma screen – advertising and information High standard of fixtures & fittings Front of house PCs

The Opportunities • Merchandising • Sponsorship • Members’ marketing opportunities

The Other Stuff!!

• • •

Opening hours Ticketing reduced On line sales/accommodation booking

The Evidence (part 1) • • • •

Manchester VIC Evaluation 2011 401 face to face interviews 94% leisure, 6% business visitors 7 in 10 visitors receive information through members of staff

The Evidence (part 2) • • • •

52% use computers or surface tables 82% influenced by information from MVIC 66% - IT encourage return visit Only 16% could provide suggestions to improve MVIC!

The Future

• • • • •

Continuous improvement Content driven – fresh and exciting Need to build up visitor numbers Stay ahead of the game Stay relevant!!