Imagine Coleraine, an exciting new initiative in association with Coleraine Town Partnership, was designed to harness the views of young people to shape the future of Coleraine Town Centre. Coleraine Town Partnership is in the process of developing a draft Masterplan/vision for the town to create a blueprint for development over the next 10-15 years to ensure that the town centre remains vibrant and encourages future investment from all government agencies and private sector.

Big Telly developed an innovative words and music project, Imagine Coleraine, which was delivered in 14 primary and post-primary schools in Coleraine between 23rd May and 14th June 2011 which explored, through interactive workshops, what it is to belong to a place and the part young people can play in shaping its future.

Working with sonic artist Robert Jarvis the workshops used words, sounds and music to reflect the thoughts and aspirations of the young people and culminated in a distinct and innovative recorded soundscape, a meaningful and lasting legacy, which each of the schools will be encouraged to use to raise self esteem and foster greater mutual inter-school co-operation.

Furthermore, with funding from Arts & Business NI, Coleraine Town Partnership commissioned Big Telly to facilitate two workshop sessions for the retail/ business community looking at achieving higher levels of customer service to enhance Coleraine‘s reputation as a unique shopping destination. The workshop was presented within the context of the draft Masterplan’s vision for retail in the town and looked at creating a retail climate of excellence.

Imagine Coleraine culminated in a Festive Open Day on Saturday 1st October which brought to life the key developments in the draft Masterplan engaging the community through drama, music and spectacle.