Latest news with #towncentre
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Whitehaven residents asked for views on town's new masterplan
Residents of a town are being asked for their views on how their area should grow and living in Whitehaven in Cumbria are being asked for their opinions on a new masterplan being drawn up by Cumberland council's deputy leader Emma Williamson said a drop-in event was "just the beginning of a longer conversation" about the town's will be held on 5 August at the United Reform Church in James Street between 14:00 and 19:00 BST, during which people can offer feedback. "Whether you are a local resident, worker, business owner or visitor, we want to understand what you feel Whitehaven town centre needs to make it a better place to live, work, shop and visit," she said."We want to build on the positive steps already taken to improve the town centre and we're putting in place a clear timeline to turn local priorities into action."The council said since it was established in 2023, it had invested more than £2.45m in Whitehaven. The masterplan will focus on three areas - energising the harbour, enhancing the public realm, and revitalising the historic also aims to boost economic growth, improve transport and redevelop heritage assets, particularly on King Street. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Scarborough Brunswick Centre closure date confirmed for refurb
A shopping centre in Scarborough will officially close for its revamp into a "vibrant new town centre destination" in September, its owners have Brunswick Centre was bought by a developer in 2021 after a decline in footfall, and plans for its transformation include building an Odeon cinema and new food court at the Scarborough Group International (SGI) said the venue would close to the public on 17 September before redevelopment work began in the autumn. An SGI spokesperson said: "This is about more than buildings. It's about reimagining the heart of the town and creating a place where people want to spend time." The plans for the centre were officially approved in 2023, with the cinema expected to take up to 29,060 sq ft (2,700 sq m) of the Brunswick's almost 150,690 sq ft (14,000 sq m) of space. 'Much-needed transformation' Mark Jackson, project lead, said: "The closure of Brunswick is a major step forward, not just for the project, but for the wider regeneration of Scarborough. "While change can be disruptive in the short term, this marks the start of a much-needed transformation that will help the town centre match the strength of its visitor appeal." The seaside town attracted more than 23 million visits a year and "outperforms major cities in dwell time and year-round tourism", Mr Jackson well as the cinema, the scheme is expected to see the redevelopment of the interior and exterior of the building, a multi-storey car park, refurbished shop fronts along Westborough and the opening of the facade with large glass panels to allow in more natural light, according to the the Local Democracy Reporting Service.A North Yorkshire Council spokesperson said the project could help "uplift the whole area".They added: "It's very obvious when you visit Scarborough, particularly that part of the town, what a key role this building could hold in the revitalisation of this part of Scarborough."Several businesses which previously occupied spaces in the shopping centre, including The Fragrance Shop, Holland & Barrett, Toyland and Nomination, have relocated within Scarborough, while Next relocated to a larger store on Seamer Road after failing to agree a long-term lease with the current owners. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
23-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Bedford's St Paul's Square closes for five weeks for regeneration
Part of a town centre square will be closed for over a month as part of a £4m renovation project. The south side of St Paul's Square in Bedford is shut to all vehicles until Friday 29 August so drainage and resurfacing work can take place.A closure will be in place from the junction with the High Street to Horne Lane as part of "revitalisation" work, Bedford Borough Council councillor Andrea Spice said there would be "some short-term disruption" that the council was working to minimise. The project includes replacing paving slabs and kerbs, widening pedestrian walkways and creating a space for outdoor events, with funds coming through the Bedford Town Deal, which has seen £22.6m worth of government investment in the town. Samantha Laycock, chairman of the Bedford Town Deal Board, said it was part of "our vision to transform Bedford town centre into a more attractive, accessible, and people-focused place". "The improvements to St Paul's Square will not only enhance the look and feel of this historic space but also support local businesses and encourage more people to spend time in the town."Spice, portfolio holder for economic growth, planning and prosperity, said: "While this phase of the project involves some short-term disruption, we're doing everything we can to minimise the impact and make sure people are kept informed throughout the works."Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times, the authority said. Traffic approaching from the High Street will be diverted via St Mary's Street, St John's Street, Kingsway, Cauldwell Street and Prebend StreetTraffic approaching from Cauldwell Street will be diverted either via Prebend Street or via St Mary's Street, The Embankment, Newnham Street, St Cuthberts Street, St Peter's Street, Dame Alice Street to Bromham RoadAccess for residents and businesses will be via River Street and Horne LaneBus services travelling from south of the river, will be diverted via Prebend Street, Midland Road and Greyfriars to the bus stationSouthbound bus services will operate as normal through St Paul's SquareNorthbound bus stops will not be in use outside Borough Hall, Bedford College and Horne Lane Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
22-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Dumfries town board boss steps down with immediate effect
The man leading a board set up to help spend £20m to regenerate a Scottish town centre is stepping down with immediate Nicoll took up the role in Dumfries last year after it emerged as one of seven "overlooked" towns around the country in line for the said it had not been an easy decision to step down but, due to "upcoming changes" to his professional priorities, he could not give the time to the position he Nicoll said that as a "born and bred Doonhamer" it had been "one of the most meaningful and rewarding roles" he had ever had. The funding was announced in 2023 by the then prime minister Rishi Sunak to be put "in the hands of local people" to revitalise their high - along with Greenock, Irvine, Kilmarnock, Coatbridge, Clydebank and Elgin - was on the support was subsequently confirmed by the new Labour government and Mr Nicoll had been leading efforts to invest the funds - to be delivered over a 10-year he said he was no longer in a position to lead the town board set up as part of the investment process. 'Extremely proud' He said he was "incredibly proud" of what the board had achieved in terms of a regeneration strategy and "meaningful engagement" with others."We've begun building something truly unique and this is something that I am extremely proud of - a model unlike any other town board in the country," he said."One that is independent, community-led, and free from political interference."It's a model rooted firmly in the voice and will of the people of Dumfries."He highlighted Dumfries Shine - a community clean-up initiative - as one example that "meaningful, local-led change" was possible."My personal ethos has always been that you are either fully in or respectfully out," he added."With upcoming changes in my professional priorities, I do not want to reach a point where I'm missing meetings or limiting my contribution."The people of Dumfries deserve full commitment; nothing less."He said he would support his replacement and urged whoever it was to reflect the needs of local people not the agenda of any political organisation.
BBC News
18-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Scaffolding installed to make derelict Wem pub safe
Scaffolding has been installed on a building that a council says is causing "blight" to a town White Horse Hotel in Wem was bought by Shropshire Council in 2023 after standing derelict for a number of years.A conditions and options assessment for the building identified movement in part of the rear of the building, caused by a longstanding authority said the side alley would open to pedestrians after the scaffolding has been installed, which will make the building safe. "This is a long-standing problem building in Wem that residents have been concerned about for many years," said Roger Evans, cabinet member for finance."The council is now looking for a long-term solution for it, and this latest work to put scaffolding in place is part of us ensuring it remains safe and the public is protected."Alan Holford, councillor for Wem, added: "Councillors are working with officers to explore funding opportunities for a scheme to repurpose this listed building and bring it back into use.""We'd also like to thank residents for attending the engagement event in the library back in March and providing their views on the options that our architects have proposed." Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
