Town centre improvement strategies for Thatcham and Hungerford submitted to West Berkshire Council by Hemmingway Design

Strategies for the improvement of two towns in West Berkshire are being submitted for approval.

The Thatcham and Hungerford Town Centre Strategy proposals have been unveiled following a public consultation period.

They will now be considered in an executive West Berkshire Council (WBC) meeting on Thursday, March 23.

Key improvements for Thatcham include full or partial pedestrianisation of the Broadway, the creation of a ‘Community Hub’ and improvements to the gateways to the town centre.

Another key area of improvement is looking at making physical changes to the A4 to lower traffic speeds.

Hungerford may see the creation of a new ‘town square’ outside the Town Hall that could be used for markets and events, creating spill out space for businesses on the High Street and improving pedestrian connections.

The district council commissioned Hemmingway Design to develop the strategies for both towns.

It said the strategies were developed in partnership with local communities, stakeholders and both town councils.

This took form in workshops and a public online survey which received 1,700 responses.

Executive member for finance and economic development at West Berkshire Council Ross Mackinnon (Con, Bradfield) said: “Ensuring our town centres remain vibrant places in the coming years will ensure West Berkshire remains a great place to live, work and visit.

“We’re really proud of the work and collaboration with local residents and businesses, as well as Thatcham and Hungerford town councils, in helping develop these town centre strategies.

“I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to reply to the public survey and suggest other ideas. It was a great response and will really give weight to these strategies as we work to take them forward.”

The council said the development of the consultation and strategies is the beginning of a much longer engagement process.