ACCRINGTON folk are said to be “excited” about having their say over shaping the future of the town after the council’s 15-year masterplan went on show.
Visitors were able to give their thoughts on the blueprint for the town’s future created by urban designers URBED which went on display at Accrington Market Hall and the Arndale Centre last month.
The plan includes:
- Moving the bus station to Crawshaw Street, off King Street, behind the old Kwik Save store.
- Improving the Arndale Centre by reorganising the shop layout in a bid to attract larger retailers.
- Reinstating Blackburn Road as the town’s high street.
- Concentrating the hub of the town centre around the Town Hall and market by refurbishing the market and improving its environment.
- Creating a new square known as Abbey Square to define the key arrival point to the town centre and improving this junction.
- Redeveloping the Grange Lane area for housing and improved green space.
- Improving the heritage buildings along Blackburn Road and Cannon Street.
Council chiefs say although the consultation period is still in its early stages, many people have responded positively to the plans.
Bill Huntly, retail development manager for Hyndburn Council said: “We are still in the early days of the consultation period, so it would probably not be appropriate to comment in detail at this time.
“Having said that, just from talking to people, there has been a lot of excitement about some of the proposals which have been put forward.”
The exhibition can also be seen at Accrington Library until 23 February.
