Cafe culture may be put on menu in bid to revive centre
STREET food stalls and outdoor cafes could be used at the latest tool to try and attract footfall into Accrington town centre.
Hyndburn council wants to capitalise on improved performance in some high streets, driven by street food and markets.
The three main areas considered to be potential venues for pavement cafes/restaurants are the town square, Blackburn Road and Broadway.
Senior councillors will now vote on whether to adopt a policy seeking to control the licensing of pavement cafes.
The policy has been drawn up after cabinet members voted in 2018 to introduce a new framework that will encourage outdoor food and drink establishments in the town centre.
Under the proposed new policy, which was due to go before the cabinet on the afternoon of February 12, anyone wishing to obtain a street cafe licence would have to pay £125 to apply.
Licensing manager Wendy Redfern said: “Alfresco eating is becoming a more widespread aspect of urban life and the presence of tables and chairs on the pavement can make a positive contribution by adding vitality, colour, life and interest to an area.
“Hyndburn Council supports and encourages the provision of pavement cafes in the area as they can help maximise the use of public spaces, aid the local economy and add to the facilities offered to people who visit, live, and work in Hyndburn. Whilst the council wishes to encourage pavement cafes, it is important that they are properly located and managed.
“This is to ensure that they meet the standards we expect in Hyndburn and that they do not obstruct the highway nor create a hazard for pedestrians, especially for blind, partially-sighted and other disabled people.
“The area to be used must take into account other needs in the immediate vicinity e.g. kerbside parking, bus stops and pedestrian crossings.”
A 2017 report on Accrington town centre found vacancies were above the national average and there was only a limited presence from national retailers.
Speaking at the time the new policy was first mooted, chief planning officer Simon Prideaux said: “Footfall, the number of people walking in the town centre, is recognised as a key health indicator of town centre success and over the past 10 years there have been a number of significant developments that have helped to increase the number of people in Accrington Town Centre and make it more attractive for business.”
In 2018, proposals for an outdoor seating area aimed at bringing ‘a cafe culture’ to Accrington town square were rejected due to ‘not being in keeping with the area’. Plans for the Accrington Pals Outdoor Cafe outside the Market Hall in Accrington were recommended for approval in a planning report but comfortably rejected by the council’s planning committee.
Last month, the cabinet backed proposed changes for the indoor market hall, including potentially replacing traditional stalls with food and drink outlets to create a social hub.