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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Ramazani Mwamba

We asked ChatGPT how it would redevelop a Salford town and this is what it said

ChatGPT has taken the internet by storm with its ability to perform a number of complex tasks and it is already being utilised by different industries around the world. The controversial AI-powered bot has been designed to answer questions and respond almost like a human.

The tool is already being used to do things like write essays, business plans and CVs and, last month, a new version of the chat bot was released that can respond to images. So, we decided to put the intelligent AI to task by asking what it would do to develop one of the regions faltering towns in Eccles.

READ MORE: What is GPT-4? The latest version of ChatGPT to be released

Earlier this year, the MEN reported that Salford council bought Eccles Shopping Centre for £4.15m in what was their first step in the 'fundamental transformation' of the town centre. When asked about how it would regenerate Eccles, and the shopping centre, ChatGPT said it would focus on five key things.

The shopping centre was the first point of contention for the chatbot. It explained how the shopping centre would be a 'key focal point' for the regeneration efforts and it would make a number of improvements to 'revitalise' the centre.

Those improvements included a facelift with new seating, lighting and digital displays. ChatGPT went on to mention creating community spaces as another way to regenerate the town.

It suggested building new public spaces such as parks or gardens, play areas and cultural centres all with the hopes of encouraging 'interaction and social cohesion'.

'Connectivity' was another thing ChatGPT flagged up. Mainly through transport links in and out of Eccles. New bus and tram routes, cycle lanes and footpaths were sighted as possible remedies.

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Keeping with the theme of community, resident's health was also important for ChatGPT regarding the regeneration of Eccles. Community gardens to promote physical health and mental health support in the form of counsellors and support groups was something the bot mentions in it's redevelopment strategy.

'Community engagement' was the final step for ChatGPT's plan to develop Salford. The bot suggested that facilitating things like public meetings, workshops and charities can go a long way in developing a 'collaborative approach' in the community.

You can read ChatGPT's plan in full below:

"To regenerate Eccles, Salford, encompassing the shopping centre and communities, the following strategies can be implemented:

  1. Revitalize the Shopping Centre: The Eccles Shopping Centre can be a key focal point for regeneration efforts. To revitalize the shopping centre, improvements can be made to the public realm, including the streetscape and pedestrian areas. The infrastructure of the shopping centre can also be upgraded to provide modern facilities, such as new seating, lighting, and digital displays. Additionally, initiatives can be introduced to attract new businesses and retailers to the area.

  2. Create Community Spaces: To encourage community engagement, new public spaces can be created. These spaces can be designed to cater to the diverse needs of the local community, including green spaces, play areas, and cultural spaces. These public spaces can serve as hubs for community events and activities, encouraging interaction and social cohesion.

  3. Improve Connectivity: Improving transport links can help to connect Eccles with other parts of Salford and Greater Manchester, making it more accessible for residents and visitors. This can include improvements to public transport infrastructure, such as new bus routes or tram connections. Additionally, the creation of cycle lanes and pedestrian routes can encourage active travel and provide alternative modes of transport.

  4. Focus on Community Health: Health and well-being can be a central focus of the regeneration strategy. Initiatives can be introduced to encourage healthy living, such as the provision of community gardens and exercise classes. Mental health support can also be provided, including counselling and support groups.

  5. Engage with the Community: It is important to engage with the local community to ensure their needs and aspirations are taken into account. This can be achieved through community consultation exercises, public meetings, and workshops. Engaging with local community groups, charities and voluntary organisations will be particularly important to develop a collaborative approach.

"Overall, the key to regenerating Eccles will be to take a holistic approach, focusing on the shopping centre and the wider community. A comprehensive strategy should be developed that addresses the needs of the community, improves connectivity, and creates new public spaces.

"By engaging with the local community and working in partnership with them, regeneration efforts can create a sustainable and inclusive community for future generations."

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