Newton Abbot Regeneration Study
The consultation is now complete! Our thanks go to all those who took part.
The recent consultation on Newton Abbot's Regeneration Study is now complete. The comments and questionnaire responses received are being analysed. See summary report link at right. This information, along with the town centre regeneration study, will now be used to develop a 'blueprint' for putting a plan in place to make improvements to the town centre.
Background
Newton Abbot is a bustling market town nestling between Dartmoor and the south Devon coast. Rich in history, the town now stands at the threshold of an important and exciting period of progressive change.
New commercial hub and growing community
Based on a direct route to Exeter, the M5 and beyond, Newton Abbot is in the right place to offer new opportunities for economic investment and employment, and become a major commercial centre in the South West. Newton Abbot sits at the heart of a market town area of more than 70,000 people. It acts as a commercial and service centre for a number of towns and villages and residents of the surrounding countryside.
The Newton Abbot and District Community Plan group worked over several years to produce a plan that sets out a vision for the town and identified projects and principles to achieve that vision. Achieving this vision and providing space for more jobs and homes in the area means more commercial and community space, along with expanded services and facilities, is essential. Creating a vibrant town centre and moving towards sustainable transport are key to creating the right climate for investment and development over the next 20 years.
Getting a regeneration study under way and consulting with the community
To begin delivering the community vision and future needs of the town centre, Teignbridge District Council commissioned a regeneration study in 2009. This study looked at the town centre physical and built environment and made recommendations on taking projects forward. It included a wide range of proposals for uplifting the town and providing work and living space. This study went out for six weeks of public consultation in June and July 2010. Residents, businesses and community groups were all invited to have their say on the various options proposed. For a brief summary of the study, click here.
Public consultation events were held in Newton Abbot town centre over three days during carnival week and were attended by nearly 1,000 members of the public. Questionnaires on the proposals were provided and were available online. Community groups and landowners were invited to share their views at a special consultation event.
But the consultation wasn't just aimed at 'grown ups'. Our 'citizens of the future' were also invited to take part.... all schools within the Newton Abbot learning community (primary & secondary) got the chance to participate in a Newton Abbot Regeneration Schools Programme, and say what they hope to see in the town as they grow up. Workshop sessions in primary schools involved nearly 300 young people aged 8 - 11, and revealed a wide range of visions for the future!
On top of that, a massive colouring competition - themed on the town's landmarks, aimed at raising awareness of children and their parents, brought in some super entries. The winner will be announced in September. (picture of winning entry in due course)
The response to the consultation has been excellent and we would like to thank you for your participation. The report on the consultation results is available here .
Next Steps
Responses to the consultation showed that most of the projects were supported by the majority of residents. A few projects were supported by less than 50% of the public, and these need reconsideration. So rather than seek to adopt the Regeneration Study we will work to develop a regeneration plan featuring the most strongly supported projects and ideas and address community concerns.
The plan will be developed in consultation with the Newton Abbot Regeneration Panel, a group specifically set up to oversee and enable the town's regeneration, and will then be brought to the Teignbridge Council Executive and Newton Abbot Town Council later in the year, for consideration and, if approved, adoption.
Getting Involved
The consultation finished on the 13th of August 2010, however we still welcome your comments and feedback on the regeneration plan as it develops, so if you want to share your views with us, you can email economyandtourism@teignbridge.gov.uk , call us on 01626 215833, or you can write to us at
Newton Abbot Regeneration, Economy and Regeneration, Teignbridge Council, Forde House, Newton Abbot, TQ12 4XX.
Newton Abbot - early projects now under way
While the regeneration blueprint is still under development, work on some projects are already progressing.
Courtenay Street Improvement Scheme
Using £80,000 funding from the national Growth Point scheme, Teignbridge District Council designed and undertook the work to provide an improved street layout, with covered market stalls, new benches and bins, improved planting and less clutter in the street. An additional £13,000 was provided by Devon County Council towards the cost of maintenance work in the area.
The work followed the multi-million pound redevelopment of Bank Street and Wolborough Street, updating the town's main central shopping area. This provided public realm improvements with a consistent style and more practical layout for visitors to enjoy. The new look area was officially opened on Tuesday 24th August.
Newton Abbot Library Project
In December 2009, Devon County Council approved ground-breaking plans for a major £2.3 million extension and facelift for Newton Abbot Library and Education Centre. It will be one of the first of Devon's new generation of libraries, offering a wide range of 21st century services and designed to be a hub for the community that will offer so much more than just books and CDs.
The current outdated facilities will be extended and redeveloped so that it stands out as a landmark building in the town centre - and offers a facility that will meet the needs of a growing community
Why now?
- A large number of new homes are proposed for Newton Abbot by 2026, which will substantially increase demand for library and learning facilities
- It is estimated that demand for adult learning could rise to 5,000 places per year
- The library currently receives over 180,000 visits annually, issuing around 160,000 items, but it will struggle to keep up with any increased demands
- It is predicted the new improved library will increase its use and membership by 50% in the first year following re-opening
When will it be ready?
It is anticipated that the library redevelopment will be complete by late summer 2011. In the meantime, the library will relocate to Teign House during the work. The library on Market Street will close at 4pm on Saturday 28th August, and reopens at Teign House on Tuesday 31st August.
Teign House is located on Newton Road, near Cricketfield Surgery. Click here for map.
The recent consultation on Newton Abbot's Regeneration Study is now complete. The comments and questionnaire responses received are being analysed. See summary report link at right. This information, along with the town centre regeneration study, will now be used to develop a 'blueprint' for putting a plan in place to make improvements to the town centre.
