FOR Cardiff have announced the successful renewal of Cardiff’s Purple Flag accreditation after evidencing for a third time that the city has a diverse, safe, and enjoyable offering between the hours of 5pm-5am.
Led by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), Purple Flag is a scheme that recognizes excellent city centre management at night, similar to the Blue Flag for beaches and the Green Flag for parks.
Cardiff has held the accreditation since 2019 and this year the city underwent a full renewal application led by FOR Cardiff and involving partners including South Wales Police, Cardiff Council, British Transport Police and Cardiff Licensees Forum.
The application was submitted in October 2021 and Cardiff was assessed on Saturday 26th March 2022. Although a virtual assessment was offered, Cardiff opted for an in-person assessment for a more robust assessment and scoring process.
Cardiff was scored against five core standards – wellbeing, movement, appeal, place, and policy along with the partnership’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Purple Flag Assessors praised the return of the Night Marshals and Street Pastors and described Cardiff’s Alcohol Treatment Centre as a “paragon of best practice”.
Commenting on the city’s pubs and bars, the Assessors said:
“They are overwhelmingly well-run to Purple Flag standards, and increasingly offer entertainment, either by music or by ‘competitive socialising’ such as golf, or even axe throwing.”
Recent investment into al-fresco dining has contributed to Cardiff’s diverse leisure and hospitality offering with the Assessors saying:
“A positive and creative approach has been adopted in retaining and expanding the outside seating spaces in many premises, which has proven popular with customers, enhanced accessibility and contributed to a positive ‘vibe’ in the city centre.”
Overall, Cardiff has responded well to the unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a solid platform for sustainable recovery.
The Purple Flag Assessors said:
“Cardiff has demonstrated significant resilience during the uniquely challenging circumstances of the recent Covid pandemic and associated lockdowns. The clear resurgence of enthusiasm and optimism from front line staff, business owners and partnership leadership demonstrate the effectiveness of the hard work and shared objectives in recent times.”
ATCM said:
“The last few years have not been what anyone expected, and we have had to tread new territory in the fight against COVID-19. Purple Flag has been important to many of our towns and cities that hold the accreditation during lockdown, as well as being instrumental in the reopening policies and strategies with key stakeholders as our towns and cities adjust to the new way of life post-pandemic.”
Adrian Field, Executive Director of FOR Cardiff said:
“We are delighted that Cardiff has achieved the Purple Flag accreditation yet again. This accolade is testament to Cardiff’s ability to overcome difficult challenges and create a thriving city that offers something for everyone.”