Newbury town centre Hemingway Design masterplan survey extended

A survey asking for opinions on the future of Newbury town centre has been extended.

The town centre masterplan‘vision’ commissioned by West Berkshire Council looks at ways to improve Newbury and assist with its recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Consultant HemingwayDesign released initial feedback, with suggestions including a new footbridge over the canal between Bridge Street and the American bridge to link different parts of the town together, transforming the waterfront with cafés and restaurants, converting Park Way road into a civic street and increasing the number of independent businesses in the town.

The survey on the masterplan was meant to close on Friday, but has been extended until July 30.

The council said that the survey, which started on June 28, had attracted "lots of great responses and ideas", but it wanted to gather more to have as much information as possible to shape the town centre.

Council leader Lynne Doherty (Con, Speen) said. “We’re reaching an exciting point in this important project.

"The response to the first survey was impressive and has helped us to create a tangible draft Vision that is relevant to our communities and the issues they face.

"The response to the second survey is also going brilliantly and we want to keep it going until July 30 to make sure that everyone has a chance to give their views.

“We now need our residents to tell us how they think we’re doing on this project and make sure that we’re heading in the right direction. This is an important phase of the process and we’re asking people to take the survey and let us know whether they feel we’re on track.

“Newbury already has a lot to offer, with its mix of green spaces, independent shops and strong cultural heritage.

"The majority of respondents, while acknowledging this, thought that Newbury has the potential to be an even better place to live, work and learn.

"By working together, we will build a solid planning framework for the future.

"Taking part in the survey is a key part of achieving this and we want as many people as possible to give their opinions.”

Results from the survey will be collated to inform the preparation of the spatial vision and masterplan for publication of the final draft in early autumn.

This will then set the formal planning framework for the future regeneration and development of the town centre.

The draft 'Vision for Newbury Town Centre’ is available to view here.

The survey takes around seven minutes to complete and can be taken here.