£1m town revamp proposed
SHOPPING STREET AND CAR PARK SET TO GET IMPROVEMENTS
THE site of a castle and a town centre car park could be upgraded as part of a £1 million town improvement scheme.
Budget documents from Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council have revealed details of a “comprehensive scheme” to revamp Church Walk car park and parts of Castle Street by 2024.
The authority said improvements were “critical” to this area to allow for improved pedestrian access and movement between “the historic main shopping street (Castle Street) and Hinckley’s principal green space (Argents Mead), both located within the historic setting of the former castle”, which is a scheduled monument.
The car park could be reconfigured as part of a £745,000 package which would include improving surfaces, entrances, lighting and seating.
Work in Castle Street is needed to “renew a dated public realm and complement associated enhancements to buildings along the street to create a better place and environment”, the council said.
The £310,000 plans for the main shopping street include improvements to paving, lighting, trees and furniture, as well as public art, with upgrades to shop fronts.
Funding would come from the Hinckley Area Committee, Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership and part of a £2 million pot from Historic England which the borough council has bid for.
Hinckley town centre is one of 69 locations across the country chosen by Historic England to benefit from a £95 million heritage fund, announced in September.
Council leader Stuart Bray said at the time: “We are thrilled Hinckley has been successful in winning substantial funding from Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zone.
“This will kickstart a £2 million heritage-led regeneration scheme that’s set to sensitively revitalise Hinckley town centre over the next four years.
“Now we will be able to improve shop fronts, enhance public areas and bring vacant historic buildings back to life.
“This is fantastic news for residents and businesses.
“As well as the physical improvements that the High Streets Heritage Action Zone will bring, our project will also celebrate the town’s cultural heritage and unlock further investment in the town centre.”