North Devon Council News

29 Nov 2019

Have your say on the future of Barnstaple's town centre

Have your say on the future of Barnstaple's town centre: BR blur-2

Local residents are being invited to share their views on the future of Barnstaple in a public consultation, which will run from 5 December until 31 January.

As the project to revitalise the town moves into its third phase, the council is calling on North Devon's residents to share their ideas on how they’d like to see Barnstaple’s town centre shaped. During the initial phase, consultants Lavigne Lonsdale analysed the strengths and weaknesses of Barnstaple, with the second phase being consultation with key stakeholders, including town and district councillors, the NHS, Petroc and Barnstaple Town Centre Management. In the third phase, the council will share its initial thoughts and ask residents to give their views on the town and make suggestions for improvements. 

In a boost to the project, the council's bid for investment for Barnstaple from the government's Future High Streets Fund was shortlisted in September this year. Development money was awarded to the council by central government to prepare a detailed business case for the regeneration of the high street.  It is hoped that this will secure a share of the Government’s £1 billion fund, which aims to renew and reshape town centres and high streets in a way that drives economic growth and improves living standards.

Before submitting its business case, the council's regeneration team wants to hear from as many residents as possible, either through its online consultation, dedicated email address or in person at a face to face event at Barnstaple Pannier Market on Thursday 5 December.

Barnstaple Town Centre Manager, Hannah Harrington says: “We were very fortunate to be awarded a sum of money that has enabled us to work on some exciting ideas for the town and we are keen to hear from residents and visitors alike about the ideas we have. We have already received lots of emails and we are launching an online consultation this week too. The council's regeneration team will be setting up some information boards in the Pannier Market on 5 December during the day and at our late night Christmas shopping evening and we welcome shoppers to come along and share their views. We have a strong vision for how we would like the town centre to change, but we want to hear from our residents about what matters to them. It is important that as many people as possible get involved with the consultation."

Residents can give their views by completing the online consultation www.northdevon.gov.uk/Barnstaple-consultation, emailing highstreet@northdevon.gov.uk or attending the consultation event at the Pannier Market, Barnstaple on 5 December 12.30-3.30pm and 6.30-8.30pm.

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