Dr. Neil Hair

OK, I'm intrigued… an article by the D&C in Rochester places a secret elegant bar at the scene of what was the fast ferry. Are we witnessing the start of a viral campaign by the city of Rochester of something special? The story is simple. Ferry closes, area abandoned. Familiar reading it seems for those of us who live in the area. Another great chance to revitalize a unique space in need of attention is the promise created by the media. I've always likened the Port of Rochester with High Falls as one of those spaces that are screaming for investment and have so much potential in terms of creating a great place for entertainment and inner city living. The visits I've made to the area always left me wanting – you were basically talking about a transport terminal – hardly a sexy prospect. There is though lots of promise for those of us looking for something different on the ents / living scene. So, back to the story. Someones found a bar/night club that clearly involved a great deal of investment – newly sealed and away from the public eye. Why? What's going on? What can we expect? OK, you've got me excited but please don't let me down again. Now is an IDEAL time to seize the hype reported in Sundays news and start building the promise. Market the area effectively by understanding your target market (if you know who that is). Paint the picture using appropriate news sources (please don't forget the universities) and encourage complimentary businesses to swarm the area. Create a nucleus! As with all new ventures there is a great deal of safety in numbers – nations know it – so should small business. Rome was not built on one night club. Boutique shops are one thing, eclectic restaurants are another, cafe bars as well that show off the vibrancy of the area like Park Avenue. What about then attracting service industries who will make effective use of the amenities in the daytime? From here you can build the expensive condos and flats that will see the evening thrive. It's a great location with so much promise at the end of the day and a supportive local community that can also thrive from increased numbers. Perhaps most importantly it's unique selling proposition is the fact that it is on the water. Don't waste this. Rochester needs it.