Festival Place’s commitment to its community has been recognised by business leaders after being shortlisted for an award.
The Community Hero Award is a category in the Central South Business Awards run by Business South. The winners will be announced on July 2.
The shortlisting comes after FP’s support and dedication to local charities and community groups which make such a positive impact in the Basingstoke area.
Last year FP supported 55 community groups, 11 charities, and hosted 34 community events. Its partnership with St Michael’s Hospice raised £113,675.34 through initiatives such as pop-up shops, kilo sales, the Moonlight Walk, Reindeer Run, and the charity wrapping station, Happy Wrappy.
FP also provides free premises to the Community Food Link (CFL), a volunteer-run service tackling food waste and supporting those in need. CFL makes over 100 weekly collections of surplus food from more than 20 local supermarkets and food outlets, feeding around 3,000 people in the community each week.
Building on the success of its We Support Deaf Awareness campaign, FP became the first shopping centre to launch the Unseen Aware movement. This initiative aims to create a more inclusive shopping experience for people with hidden disabilities, such as MS, hearing loss, vision impairment, ADHD, and autism. Retail staff who complete training to support customers with unseen disabilities are recognised with a physical badge, offering immediate assistance when needed.
Inclusivity is high on the agenda at FP which has also upgraded its accessible toilets to support individuals with stoma bags and installed discreet incontinence bins in select men’s multi-use cubicles, supporting the Boys Need Bins campaign for prostate cancer. It also partnered with All Yours to provide free period products for those in need.
FP also prioritises mental health awareness with many staff trained as mental health first aiders. A mindfulness garden has also been created with local schools and The Beardy Gardener, Leigh Johnstone, to provide a tranquil space for reflection.
Marketing Manager Sian Fisher said: “We are so pleased to have been shortlisted for this award. Our customer-centric approach fosters loyalty, enhances satisfaction, and solidifies Festival Place’s reputation as a trusted and community-focused shopping destination.
“Beyond our commitment to customer service, we continually adapt and evolve to meet the needs of our community. From implementing environmental initiatives to making enhancements to our building and grounds, we are focused on creating a sustainable future for our centre and the local area. Our efforts are not just about keeping up; we are committed to leading the way in customer experience.”
Share this article
