Your chance to shape the future of the town centre

Call for public to complete masterplan survey

PEOPLE are being urged to have their say on the future of Newbury town centre.

A major study is under way to look at the “significant changes in the retail and hospitality industries” and “take into account the impact of Covid-19 in accelerating the review of alternative uses for town centres and public spaces”.

Wayne Hemingway – the man who has been handed the responsibility of coming up with the new masterplan for the town centre – insisted that Newbury was a “beautiful town that did not need radical investment”.

Instead, he said it had “huge potential to be a thriving place, brimming with independent retailers”.

His company – HemingwayDesign – has been commissioned by West Berkshire Council to carry out the study, which will be developed over the next nine months and guided by feedback from residents and businesses.

Mr Hemingway said: “There is a societal shift in terms of shopping, work patterns and what people want from their town centres.

“Newbury has all the ingredients to embrace this shift, move with the times and become an even more inspirational and welcoming place for residents, businesses and their employees and visitors to the town.

“We believe that positive change is necessary, desirable and within reach.

“People, when they hear the work masterplan or regeneration, think of a huge change and a complete transformation, but that’s not what this is about.

“We aren’t coming in here riding a white stallion saying ‘everything has got to change’.

“Naturally, you come in with your own views – but the best way any design team can start is listening to the people who know best and that is the residents, businesses and their employees and the wider Newbury community.

“So we urge you all to complete the survey, which takes 10 minutes, and provide us your feedback.

“Please share the survey with your family, and everyone you know – spread the word far and wide.

“We want thousands of people to get involved and we look forward to hearing from you.”

Mr Hemingway said that “the one thing Newbury does not need is a radical investment as it is a bloody good place”.

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