The Great Harwood High Street Accelerator Plan aims to breathe new life into Queen Street and its surrounding areas, transforming the main shopping district into a vibrant, engaging environment that fosters community spirit and attracts visitors. Recently, the newly established Great Harwood High Street Accelerator Panel unveiled an ambitious vision for the future of this historic area, pledging to implement changes that are not only transformative but also achievable given the scope and resources available. This initiative comes as part of a broader movement to revitalize high streets across the country, responding to the economic challenges faced by many towns and cities.
In December 2023, Hyndburn Council was awarded a substantial £273,000 from the government’s £7 million High Street Accelerators programme. This funding is set to be directed towards the revitalization of Queen Street, Blackburn Road, and Church Street, setting a promising foundation for a wider array of improvements. The council’s proactive approach has sparked hope among local businesses and residents alike that change is possible in light of the recent difficulties faced by the high street, particularly due to the shift in consumer behavior exacerbated by the pandemic.
Since the formation of the panel in May, their efforts have garnered an additional £500,000 allocated for town center ‘greening’ initiatives, targeting five specific sites: Bank Mill House, Holgate Street car park, Game Street car park, Town Gate Square, and St Hubert Street open space. The infusion of financial resources symbolizes a significant commitment to not only enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the area but also promoting a more sustainable, pleasant environment that encourages community engagement and interaction.
The detailed plan, which was unveiled this week, primarily concentrates on Queen Street as the focal point for initial interventions. However, it also acknowledges the importance of improving Church Street and Blackburn Road as part of a holistic strategy to enhance the entire commercial district. This blueprint delineates a series of proposals that aim to improve public spaces, bolster local businesses, and develop leisure facilities, all contributing to the creation of a more vibrant and sustainable town center.
A thorough analysis within the plan reveals various weaknesses present in the target area, including stagnant footfall, a notable number of vacant and neglected buildings, underutilized heritage assets, insufficient marketing and promotion, and issues with anti-social behavior. The lack of youth and recreational facilities exacerbates the struggles within the high street, making it imperative for the panel to devise strategies that address these critical issues.
Conversely, the plan also highlights several strengths of Great Harwood that can be leveraged to foster renewal. The robust sense of community spirit and engagement is illustrated through established events such as the annual Agricultural Show, Boundary Walk, and the Horticultural and Craft Show, all of which contribute to local pride and cohesion. The presence of specialty shops like Finch Bakery, Townsend Records, and Brie Mine further enriches the shopping experience, while the green spaces strategically located within walking distance from the town center serve as attractive promenades for visitors and residents alike. Additionally, historical and cultural assets, including the old town hall, the town square, several old mills, and Mercer Hall, present unique opportunities for heritage tourism that can be better promoted and integrated into the overall revitalization plan.
The plan delineates several strategic objectives aimed at addressing the issues at hand. One of the primary goals is to increase visitor numbers by enhancing the area’s attractions and improving accessibility for all. This involves engaging with property owners to reduce the number of empty premises, thereby making the high street more appealing and approachable for potential patrons. Improving traffic flow through better signage and contemplating a ‘shared space’ scheme for Queen Street is also a critical objective, ensuring that the street’s infrastructure supports not only vehicle traffic but also pedestrian engagement.
Enhancing the appearance of Queen Street is inherently linked to engaging local businesses and property owners, encouraging them to beautify their facades and address issues such as overgrown weeds and other urban blights, which can detract from the area’s overall aesthetic. Structured marketing campaigns are crucial to better promote the town and its offerings, with the aim of sparking interest from both residents and potential visitors who may not be familiar with the hidden gems Great Harwood has to offer.
The cultivation of cultural heritage is another key element, with plans for organizing events that spotlight the town’s historical significance and community culture. The action plan includes specific proposals, such as reaching out to property owners with letters encouraging them to improve or rent out their vacant properties. Initiatives like providing ‘Community Chest’ grants for businesses to upgrade their shop fronts can create an inviting atmosphere reflective of the town’s aspirations. Additional aesthetic enhancements—such as street decorations including bunting, flags, hanging baskets, and planters—aim to infuse life and vibrancy into the high street.
Furthermore, a feasibility study focused on creating a more pedestrian-friendly Queen Street, complete with enhanced signage, is being proposed. Organizing events designed to gauge foot traffic, such as light and music festivals, artisan food markets, and movie nights, will allow the panel to assess community interest and participation while simultaneously revitalizing the social fabric of the town center.
Peter Holden, chair of the Great Harwood High Street Accelerator Panel, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative: “Our aim was to create a vision for the future of our town that is both ambitious and achievable. We wanted to ensure the plan reflects the unique character and needs of Great Harwood while also addressing the challenges it faces, such as vacant shop units and declining footfall.” His comments highlight the panel’s commitment to crafting a vision that resonates with local identity while simultaneously confronting pressing economic realities.
Panel member and Overton ward councillor Heather Anderson emphasized the importance of addressing vacant shops, stating, “Having fewer empty shops is important for the vitality of our high street.” The sentiment shared by Anderson underscores the need for actionable solutions that will reverse the cycle of decline and rejuvenate the area for both residents and visitors.
Lauren Maguire, a panel member and owner of Brie Mine, highlighted the anticipated benefits the improvements will bring to local businesses. “The improvements to Queen Street and the increased promotion of Great Harwood will undoubtedly benefit my business and many others. I’m looking forward to the facade grants for high street businesses,” she remarked, reflecting the optimism that permeates the community as these plans begin to take shape.
Cllr Noordad Aziz, deputy leader of Hyndburn Council and fellow panel member representing Netherton ward, stressed the importance of immediate action, noting that work has already commenced on certain interventions, particularly focused on community events. “Bringing more footfall to Great Harwood is essential. Last winter’s events demonstrated our ability to attract visitors, and we have committed to ensuring Great Harwood is included in this year’s council-funded events program.” His comments emphasize the proactive nature of the panel’s efforts and their commitment to ensuring that the momentum of revitalization is maintained.
As the Great Harwood High Street Accelerator Plan unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that revitalizing the shopping area is not only about physical improvements but also about fostering a renewed sense of community engagement and pride. The panel’s commitment to collaboration, strategic planning, and leveraging the unique characteristics of Great Harwood positions the town well for a promising future.
With the town’s rich history, the active participation of local businesses, and the combined resources from government funding, there is a collective belief that Great Harwood can emerge from its current challenges with renewed energy and purpose. The journey is just beginning, but as residents and local leaders rally together, the potential for a vibrant and bustling town center becomes increasingly tangible. This revitalization initiative signifies not just an economic imperative but a community aspiration, where individuals can come together to celebrate their heritage, support one another, and cultivate a prosperous future for Great Harwood.