Bargates ‘could inject life into dead part of town’
READERS HAVE THEIR SAY ON NEW PLANS FOR EMPTY SITE
BARGATES is a “real jewel in Burton’s crown” and should be a site for leisure and restaurants, Burton Mail readers have said.
New proposals have finally been unveiled for old Bargates shopping centre site, off High Street, after years of thrashing out ideas on what should be done with the empty plot after the centre was demolished.
Readers say it could be a beautiful waterfront attraction overlooking the River Trent on the Washlands.
The latest plans from developer Jessups include 72 sheltered accommodation homes, as well as two commercial units which would take up a large portion of the existing Meadowside Leisure Centre car park and could be used to create riverside restaurants and cafés.
The leisure centre’s car park would be reconfigured so it has other spaces, but it would lose a proportion if the latest scheme goes ahead.
The Burton Mail revealed details on the latest plan and that a petition had been set up by a Burton resident urging people to have their say on the project and calling for more entertainment facilities to be built there.
Bargates did house the town’s bowling alley and was once a shopping centre but both closed down and have since been demolished.
Now readers have had their say on the latest plans which have been submitted to East Staffordshire Borough Council.
Ian Page said: “Just think of all the houses that have been built around the place. This is a real jewel in Burton’s crown. We need to make the best of the Washlands and the river.”
Leigh Roulstone wrote: “There is plenty of space for what everybody would like to see there.
“Let’s face it, Burton does need some entertainment, so it would be nice to see them build a few entertainment facilities, small casino, small bowling alley and a decent nightclub.”
However, others believe the site does not need shops and have suggested a market place and even not building on it altogether.
Rachel Bloor wrote: “Please no more coffee shops or supermarkets. Can we have something we have not got that other towns have? Or spend the money on bringing back a fully functional market place like it used to be?”
Edward Gorham said: “As we are a brewery town it would be good to have a Bargate Inn in line with Burton history, an opportunity for entertainment too.
“We have enough houses and supermarkets; how about something different for the future?”
Jason Adcock said: “How about stopping building?
“They want to build everywhere. What about some natural green space, trees, flowers and nature?”
However, other readers have welcomed the news plans.
Andie How said: “Looks half decent and a nod to the brewery look, I feel.”
Richard Hoult added: “A modern take on the pre-bargates street scene.
“As others say, there’s more than enough empty shops in the town centre without building more.
“Hopefully this project will inject life in a dead part of town. Plus the badly needed employment opportunities that will result.
“Too many looking through rosetinted spectacles. Towns evolve and need to keep up. Burton will never again be as important as it once was.
“We have to accept that Burton is just another town. Large numbers of the inhabitants commute for work. So if Burton is going to become another dormitory like Tamworth, let’s make it appealing so people don’t just sleep here and actually use the town.
“If we don’t use it, 100 per cent we will lose it.”