Town centre masterplan is revealed
Residents encouraged to have their say on proposals
TWO-WAY traffic in Southfield Road and Granby Street, more “pedestrian friendly” areas and even the possibility of a Great Loughborough Run, are among the ideas the public have been asked to give their views on, with the launch of a new masterplan for Loughborough town centre.
The last Loughborough Town Centre Masterplan was created by Charnwood Borough Council, with the Loughborough Town Team, back in 2007, and now a new draft of the plan has been released.
Since 2007 significant changes have been made in the town including the Inner Relief Road, the pedestrianisation of the town centre and the new Cineworld development on the former hospital site in Baxter Gate.
And now the public will be given six weeks to voice their opinion on the proposals as a consultation is launched today (Wednesday, August 9).
TWO WAY traffic in Southfield Road and Granby Street, more “pedestrian friendly” areas and even the possibility of a Great Loughborough Run, are among the ideas the public have been asked to give their views on, with the launch of a new masterplan for Loughborough town centre.
The last Loughborough Town Centre Masterplan was created by Charnwood Borough Council, with the Loughborough Town Team, back in 2007, and now a new draft of the plan has been released.
Since 2007 significant changes have been made in the town including the Inner Relief Road, the pedestrianisation of the town centre and the new Cineworld development on the former hospital site in Baxter Gate.
And now the public will be given six weeks to voice their opinion on the proposals as a consultation is launched today (Wednesday, August 9).
All of the proposals fall into four categories - improving the public realm, traffic and parking, sites for development, events and business support.
“Public realm” improvements include reducing road widths and widening pavements, tree planting, and use of public art to make areas such as High Street, The Rushes (the road, not the shopping centre), Ward’s End and Biggin Street more pedestrian friendly.
Traffic improvements include the introduction of two way traffic in Southfield Road and restricting vehicles entering Ward’s End.
The new plan identifies six key sites for potential development, including Baxter Gate, which it says would be suitable for a retail-led development, including a two-storey car park.
The masterplan also proposes holding a number of events in the town centre based around Loughborough’s identity as a market and university town.
One event outlined is a Great Loughborough Run, along with a proposed Town and Gown Games, that would bring the town and university together, similar to others held in Oxford and Cambridge.
Also proposed is a plan to make the side streets of Loughborough more attractive, with an increased use of art - called the Loughborough Lanes Strategy.
Coun Eric Vardy, lead member for planning and inward investment, said: “The health and vitality of Loughborough town centre is economically important to the whole borough and I am pleased this draft masterplan sets out a number of options.
“It provides us with a vision for the future and one that can be used by the council, our partners and developers.
“We have already had conversations with local businesses to help develop the masterplan so far and, now we have a complete draft document, we want further views. Please tell us what you do like, what you don’t like and help us build a better future for Loughborough.”
A display of the masterplan is being held at Loughborough Town Hall on Friday, August 11, 12pm-5pm and Saturday, August 12, 9am-5pm.
The display will include information about the masterplan and officers will be on hand to answer questions.
From Monday, August 14 the exhibition will be housed in the reception area at the council offices in Southfield Road, Loughborough.
To view the masterplan online visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/ masterplan2017
The deadline for responses is September 22, 2017.