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Masterplan which could transform Newbury town centre approved




A masterplan which could see Newbury town centre transformed with a new footbridge over the canal, more trees and a new open space at the Wharf has been given the green light.

The final draft of the Newbury Masterplan was approved by West Berkshire Council’s executive committee yesterday (Thursday), meaning it is now a council strategy.

It will be taken forward for engagement with key stakeholders, with proposed projects worked up in more detail, including feasibility studies and public consultation.

A new footbridge could be built over the canal.
A new footbridge could be built over the canal.

A key objective of the masterplan is to broaden the leisure, community and cultural ‘experience’ of the town centre, transforming it into a ‘multi-purpose’ space that makes the most of the canal, the historic buildings, the town’s lanes and yards, and the number of independent shops and cafés, attracting more visitors who will then spend more time there.

One feature of the masterplan, created by consultant Hemingway Design, is the proposed footbridge over the Kennet and Avon Canal between the American Bridge and Bridge Street – estimated to cost £3m to £5m, depending on design.

This will help link the Wharf with the Waterside Centre and potential towpath drinking spots.

The opening up of the Wharf is another key element, including the partial or full closure of the car park and the temporary installation of large-scale planters and street furniture ahead of a fully-designed remodelling at an estimated cost of £561,000 – with it acting as a focus for cultural activities and outdoor events.

Some of the ‘quick wins’ in the masterplan, which could be up and running within the next 18 months, include more independent businesses, creating parklets (mini green areas), creating more lanes and using empty shop fronts for pop-ups.

The final draft of the masterplan came after two public consultations which attracted more than 5,000 responses.

West Berkshire Council leader Lynne Doherty (Con, Speen) said: “We’re very excited that the masterplan is now complete following months of work with consultants and our residents.

The Newbury masterplan wants more areas like Weavers Walk.
The Newbury masterplan wants more areas like Weavers Walk.

“It focuses on several key areas, recognising that needs within town centres have changed.

“There is less dependence on retail, and more on cultural experiences, leisure activities and communities coming together.

“Listening to residents is key to the future success of town centres and we’ll now be working with partners and seeking external funding to take the next steps.”

Speaking in yesterday’s meeting, Green councillor David Marsh (Newbury Wash Common) said: “We’d like to congratulate Wayne Hemmingway and the team for an excellent report.

“We are pleased to see a re-greening of the town centre.

“The report talks about increasing spill out space for cafés and pubs and the development of parklets.

Park Way and Victoria Park.
Park Way and Victoria Park.

“It would be a shame if we have to wait three to five years to see these.

“Could we consider extending pedestrian hours? Let’s open it nine to nine.

“It would be welcomed by the BID and the hospitality trade.”

Elsewhere, the masterplan places emphasis on more activity and destinations along the canal, both east and west of Bridge Street.

It encourages more pedestrian flow along the towpath and more people to arrive into the town centre via the canal.

The redevelopment/reuse of the Debenhams building in Parkway also gets a mention.

Plans are for a mixed-use scheme involving pulling back the building lines on to Park Way and West Street to create a more public realm allowing the park to spill over the Park Way.

The building of the rear of Parkway was cited as blocking the town from the park with one suggestion that the car park should have a green wall to help this.

Improvements to Victoria Park include more of an ‘activity’ zone connected by cycle routes, more trees and enhanced fitness and play areas.

For more information on the masterplan, visit https://info.westberks.gov.uk/towncentres



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