Accrington Town Centre Masterplan Framework Approved
Accrington Town Centre Masterplan Framework Approved
Hyndburn Borough Council has approved the Accrington Town Centre Masterplan Framework, a comprehensive strategy designed to revitalise and transform Accrington Town Centre. Formally approved by the Council’s Cabinet on 26th March, this initiative builds upon recent improvements to the town, including the upgrades to Accrington Town Square funded by UK Government, Hyndburn Borough Council and Lancashire County Council.
This Town Centre Masterplan Framework promotes a long-term vision for the town of Accrington, building on the town’s existing assets and opportunities. It identifies new development opportunity sites, encourages the better use of existing buildings and spaces, broadens the mix of town centre uses, and shows the potential to both improve and create new high-quality public spaces which will help deliver an improved town centre environment for all to benefit from.
Image: Artist’s impression of Accrington Town Centre
The key guiding objectives of the masterplan are as follows:
· Capitalise on the town’s character and assets
· Define welcoming arrival points
· Create safer and healthier streets
· Enhance green streets and waterways
· Optimise development opportunities
The Masterplan Framework includes several key initiatives and initially proposed ideas designed to strengthen Accrington Town Centre to enhance the area as a place to live, work and reside. Highlights of the Masterplan Framework include:
· Eastgate Linear Park: Creation of a new linear park along Eastgate to make it easier for people to walk and cycle.
· Active travel routes: New active travel routes, better connecting the Town Centre with existing communities.
· Diversifying the mix of uses within the town centre: Including housing, opportunities for new cafes and restaurants, leisure activities, and co-working/office space.
· Viaduct Park: A new pedestrian-friendly Viaduct Park celebrating the Grade II listed Viaduct. This space could host a vibrant mix of play, sports, food growing, and leisure space for all.
· High-quality street greening: Including planting of new trees throughout the centre, active play features, and pocket public spaces.
· Commercial development: Fit-for-purpose spaces to attract new retail and leisure businesses, as well as developing attractive locations for a night-time economy – food, drink, culture, and family activities.
· Public space enhancements: Creation of accessible and dynamic spaces for events and community activities.
Additional opportunities include the development of Grange Lane as an innovative new neighbourhood, and the potential for a green corridor along Eastgate.
The Masterplan Framework sets out a clear vision for Accrington Town Centre, focusing on creating a welcoming, accessible, and economically robust area. It is important for the Masterplan Framework to remain flexible, so it can respond to future market and economic conditions, as well as evolving with any national planning policy. As such the plan outlines short, medium, and long-term opportunities for development, which can be reviewed and refreshed over this period ensuring a phased approach to regeneration, recognising it will take time to fully deliver.
Extensive community consultation has been a cornerstone of the Masterplan Framework’s development. Feedback from local residents, businesses, and stakeholders has been integral in shaping the plan, ensuring it reflects the aspirations and needs of the community.
The Masterplan Framework prioritises environmental improvements, economic growth, culture, heritage preservation and infrastructure development.
Councillor Munsif Dad, Leader of the Council said:
“The approval of the Accrington Town Centre Masterplan Framework marks an important moment for Accrington. This plan identifies some real actions we and partners can take to help create a thriving, sustainable town centre that meets the needs of all residents.”
Kimberley Whitehead, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Arts, added:
“Accrington has a unique cultural and historical identity, and this Masterplan Framework ensures that we preserve and celebrate our heritage while embracing future opportunities for growth and development.”
Following the announcement that Accrington has been selected to receive up to £20 million from the Government’s Plan for Neighbourhood funding. A new strategic Board is being created with its remit to make recommendations on how this funding should be spent. With the Masterplan Framework now approved, the Council and Board will work closely with community partners, businesses, and stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of the Masterplan Framework, driving positive change and encouraging further private sector investment to create a brighter future for Accrington Town Centre.