Providing safe and easy access to all areas of the town centre is fundamental to bringing renewed vitality to the heart of Wellingborough.
A comprehensive Public Realm Strategy has been designed to achieve this aim and will be delivered in three phases.
Phase 1, which is scheduled for completion in 2011, involves significant improvements to principal streets, footpaths and public spaces. Work on this £1.7m first phase has already begun and will be integrated with measures being taken by Northamptonshire County Council to prioritise bus travel on Sheep Street, Silver Street and the lower end of the High Street.
Phase 1 will also see the introduction of new landscaping and access to Tresham Institute, pedestrian areas in front of the Hind Hotel and a play area in Croyland Gardens.
Phases 2 and 3 of the Public Realm Strategy are scheduled to begin over the next two years and proposals include:
- Gateway and public space improvements at the east, west and northwest entrances to the town
- A landscaping, tree planting and wildlife habitat programme for Swanspool Brook
- New public lighting to celebrate the town’s heritage and ensure safe movement around the town
- Development of a new northern pedestrian / cycle link
In addition to the Public Realm Strategy, £2.7m of Growth Area funding will deliver the infrastructure necessary to bring forward the development of a High Street Development site. This site will form the first phase of the regeneration of the town by providing scope for a mixed use development of housing, office and retail units.
The Borough Council has appointed professional property agents and marketing of this exciting commercial development will begin in early 2010.
To view the Borough Council of Wellingborough's 2020 Vision, click here