Residents of Accrington are being invited to engage in the evolution of the town’s future as Hyndburn Borough Council and Lancashire County Council launch a call for community input on the latest iteration of the masterplan related to the ambitious £70 million Accrington Town Centre Investment Plan for 2022-2032. This revitalizing project represents a collective commitment to transforming Accrington into a vibrant, bustling market town that proudly showcases its rich industrial, cultural, and architectural heritage. It is a strategic effort that seeks to breathe new life into the town centre, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for local businesses and residents alike.
Both councils have emphasized the importance of public involvement in shaping this masterplan. They are urging local residents to participate in the planning process by attending drop-in sessions where they can learn more about the ongoing developments and share their insights with local officials. Alternatively, those who cannot attend the in-person meetings are encouraged to express their views and feedback online, further democratizing the planning process and ensuring that all voices are heard.
Last month, business owners were offered the chance to weigh in on the proposed changes, emphasizing the collaborative nature of this initiative. Now, the spotlight shifts to the local community, which is invited to play a significant role in shaping the future of Accrington. The masterplan is designed to outline up to £70 million in potential investments aimed at fostering a dynamic environment that addresses the needs of residents and enhances opportunities for local enterprises. The plan embodies an ambitious vision where vibrant public spaces, successful business sectors, and a strong sense of community converge.
The framework set out in the masterplan builds on previous efforts to transform the area surrounding the Town Square. This area is envisioned to evolve into the cultural and commercial heart of Accrington, featuring a revitalized market shopping area that not only provides a diverse range of goods but also offers an enhanced selection of food and drink options. The integration of co-working spaces and leisure destinations is also high on the agenda, aiming to cultivate an environment where people can both work and enjoy their leisure time in close proximity to one another.
The masterplan serves as a 10-year roadmap for regeneration, designed to guide upcoming developments and growth in the area. It aims to create a comprehensive vision that aligns with the goals and aspirations of the local community, ensuring that any changes reflect the needs and desires of Accrington residents. Participation is encouraged; residents can access the masterplan framework online to review the proposals in detail and provide their thoughts by filling out a questionnaire. This open channel for feedback is crucial to developing initiatives that resonate with the community’s expectations.
To further facilitate community engagement, drop-in sessions are scheduled to take place at Market Chambers on December 12 and January 9 from 3 PM to 7 PM. Additionally, another session will be held at the Raza Masjid Community Centre on Lower Antley Street, with the date to be confirmed. Here, residents will have the opportunity to interact face-to-face with officials, ask questions, and offer their insights about the masterplan in a welcoming environment that promotes open dialogue.
To keep the community informed throughout the consultation period, information boards showcasing the proposed changes will also be available for viewing at Accrington Library. This display will commence on December 13 and continue until January 12, providing a visual representation of the masterplan and its key components. Ensuring broad access to information is essential in encouraging participation, as it allows residents to better understand the opportunities and challenges presented by the proposed development.
Cllr Noordad Aziz, the transformation lead for Hyndburn Council, has expressed an unwavering commitment to revitalizing Accrington Town Centre, making it a place where people will want to live, work, and visit. He stressed, “The masterplan framework is an important step in achieving our vision, and we are eager to hear feedback and ideas from our community.” Aziz highlighted the necessity of introducing a mixed-use development strategy into the town centre, one that incorporates housing alongside leisure and community spaces. By fostering such diversity, the town aims to reduce its over-reliance on retail, which has been a particular focus given the changing economic landscape.
Cllr Aziz also underscored how bringing more residents into the town centre would contribute positively to the overall atmosphere, improving perceptions of safety and well-being among visitors and residents. He acknowledged, “Bringing more people to live and spend time in the town centre will improve the feeling of safety for residents and visitors and help combat existing anti-social behaviour.” Creating a town centre that is bustling with activity is anticipated not only to benefit local businesses but also to enhance the quality of life for everyone who calls Accrington home.
Moreover, Cllr Aidy Riggott, who oversees economic development in Lancashire County Council, echoed similar sentiments. He noted that the proposals aim to enhance the lives of Accrington’s residents while elevating the town centre into a more appealing and engaging environment for visitors. Riggott elaborated on the inclusive focus of the masterplan, which includes initiatives aimed at promoting active travel and encouraging healthier lifestyles within the community. By making walking or cycling into town more accessible and enjoyable, the plan aims to reduce reliance on vehicles, which has both environmental and health benefits.
Additionally, Riggott mentioned that Lancashire County Council has made a financial contribution to support the masterplan’s development. The council is also engaged in traffic modeling activities related to a proposed development known as Viaduct Park. This initiative aims to enhance traffic flow and improve safety on the roads, addressing concerns that are critical to the success of the overall plan.
Residents of Accrington have a unique opportunity to shape their town’s future through the engagement process established by the councils. The broader implications of the masterplan extend beyond infrastructure development, touching on several aspects of social and community well-being.
Through community consultations, the plan demonstrates a commitment to involving local people in decision-making processes, thereby fostering a strong sense of ownership and responsibility towards the changes being proposed. Residents will play a crucial role in articulating their aspirations, enabling planners to better understand the community’s vision for itself.
In conclusion, the Accrington Town Centre Masterplan stands as a significant venture designed to transform the town into an inclusive, thriving hub that celebrates its heritage while embracing future opportunities. With a clear commitment from both Hyndburn Borough Council and Lancashire County Council to engage residents in this vital planning process, the project embodies a collaborative spirit intended to empower local voices. As they embark on this journey of regeneration, it is imperative that the community seizes the chance to participate actively, ensuring that the development serves as a beacon of progress reflective of their collective desires and aspirations. The future of Accrington is being crafted now, and the inclusion of resident feedback is essential in forging a vibrant and resilient center that meets the needs of its local inhabitants for years to come.