Have Your Say On Regenerating Newton Abbot (published 02.07.10)
Local views are being sought on ideas for improving and developing Newton Abbot in years to come.
Teignbridge District Council is inviting everyone to have their say on 'Newton Abbot Regeneration Study', a new comprehensive regeneration plan designed to further improve the town over the next 10 years.
The plan is in its final draft stage, and outlines 18 projects which could serve to improve the town. These range from quick-win ideas which could be started immediately, to more in-depth and major projects. These include the redevelopment of the livestock market, enhancing Victoria Garden, improving the bus interchange, relocating the Town Hall in the town centre, redeveloping Bradley Lane, and street improvements along Queen Street.
Some suggestions in the plan have been previously agreed and are underway, such as the development of a heritage trail around the town, a walk supported by leaflets which point the way to places of historical interest. Another scheme already nearly complete is on-street improvements to furniture and planting in Courtenay Street.
The suggested projects, which also include improving the public realm, increasing retail space and improving pedestrian connections, have been guided by a simple strategy for improvement:
To use the key strengths of the town (townscape, green space, historic buildings, shopping streets, community, geographical location and connections) as a basis to build the proposals and recommendations. This will strengthen the identity of the positive aspects of the town.
The regeneration of the town will aim to stimulate the town centre, link neighbourhoods to the centre by improving footpaths, cycle routes, roads and public transport; celebrate the River Lemon and the town's rich history.
Cllr David Corney-Walker, Teignbridge Executive Spokesperson for Economic Development and Tourism said:
"Our recent consultation about a similar strategy for Teignmouth produced a huge response and some very good ideas from local people, and we're looking at how they can be incorporated as we move forward. Now we're asking for views on the blueprint for Newton Abbot's future, which includes some exciting ideas to reinvigorate the area and maintain its reputation as a bustling market town with much to offer.
"Newton Abbot has some great strengths which have helped it buck the national trend during the recession, which much lower numbers of empty shops than average. With this plan we want to build on its strengths, improve some of its weaknesses, and all in all make it an even nicer place to live, shop and work.
"In the current financial climate there can't be guarantees about how long some of the major projects might take, or what funding would be available. However, once we have the firm plan in place we'll be in a much better position to look at what's feasible and bid for the appropriate funding, as well as using that which we already have, like the national Growth Point funding.
"The message for local people is it's your town and we want to know what you want. This draft plan is a great start but no-one knows an area like its residents do, so now's the chance to have your say."
Teignbridge is hoping that local people will take the time to read the plan and give their views as it launches a consultation on the final draft document. It kicked off on Monday 5 July with the launch of a colouring competition in local schools. As part of the competition, children are invited to take the plan home for their parents to read and complete a specially designed colouring-in poster. The winner will receive a £20 voucher for a shop of their choice, and their picture featured in the final plan.
Public consultation events have been arranged on the following dates, when people can come along, speak to council officers, view the plans and give their views:
Tuesday 6th July: 10am – 3pm, Courtenay Street
Wednesday 7th July: 2pm – 8pm, Highweek Way
Saturday 10th July: 10am – 5pm, Wolborough Street
The consultation is also available online at www.teignbridge.gov.uk/newtonabbotregeneration, with the plan available for download and a link where viewers can submit their views. People can also have their say on the plan by emailing naomi.harnett@teignbridge.gov.uk, phoning Naomi Harnett on 01626 215833, or responding by post to:
Newton Abbot Regeneration Study
Economy and Regeneration
Teignbridge District Council
Forde House
Newton Abbot
TQ12 4XX
The consultation is open to everyone until 13 August 2010, and the results will be reported the Council's Executive in September 2010.
Quick-win projects in the plan which may take place over the next 1-3 years include:
• Public realm works in Courtenay Street
• Redesign Victoria Place Garden
• Improving Town 'branding'
• Heritage Trail
• Reorganising the Market Hall layout
Medium term projects which are hoped for over 3-6 years include:
• Town Centre redevelopment with new residential and commercial space
• Public realm works in Queen Street
• Work undertaken to improve the Town Quay
• Remodelling of the multi-storey car park
Longer term schemes which may be possible over 6-10 years include:
• Relocation of Newton Abbot Town Council and the Town Museum
• Relocation of Bus Interchange
• Redesign of junction of Queen Street and The Avenue
• Consider redevelopment of brown field sites within the town centre for mixed use development.