Deadline looms for masterplan views

TIME is running out to have a say on a masterplan that will help shape the future of Loughborough town centre for the next 15 years.

Charnwood Borough Council launched a consultation on the masterplan in August and the deadline for responses is Friday, September 22.

Coun Eric Vardy, lead member for planning and inward investment, said: “We are looking at ways the town centre may develop over the next 15 years and the draft masterplan provides an interesting set of proposals.

“I would encourage people to have a look at the draft masterplan and tell us what they think. The more views we have the better as this is something that is important to the Ccouncil and the people of Charnwood.”

A study commissioned by Charnwood Borough Council sets out a number of proposals to develop the town centre and ensure its viability and vitality.

The proposals fall into four categories:

• Improving the public realm (which generally covers street surfaces/furniture/planting/signage/public art) • Traffic and parking • Sites for development • Events and business support

The masterplan also identifies eight character areas across the town centre and explains how these should be developed.

There are a number of proposals including making the town centre more pedestrian-friendly and providing better links between key areas including Loughborough University, the railway station and the parks.

The masterplan proposes introducing two-way traffic in Southfield Road to reduce vehicle numbers in Bedford Square and Ward’s End.

It also identifies six key sites for potential development including the Baxter Gate area which it says would be suitable for a retail-led development, including a two- storey car park.

The masterplan proposes holding a number of events in the town centre based around Loughborough’s unique identity as a market and university town with a rich industrial and cultural heritage.

For more information or to have a say on the masterplan, please visit www.charnwood.gov. uk/masterplan2017. The website contains a summary of the proposals and the full masterplan document.

A display about the masterplan is also in the reception area of the council’s offices in Southfield Road, Loughborough.

The deadline for responses is September 22, 2017.