Draft Vision for town centre’s future is unveiled
Wide-ranging proposals for maximising the potential of Daventry town centre over the next 15 years have been unveiled.
Based on public responses to a consultation held over the summer, the draft Daventry Town Centre Vision 2035 sets out a range of measures that could be implemented to transform the centre as a destination for residents, visitors and businesses.
People are now being urged to find out more about the draft Vision and make their voice heard over the next four weeks by taking part in an interactive online survey at https://daventry2035.com
Some of the ideas being put forward include:
• Redesigning Market Square to create an attractive space that could host events and markets, while retaining parking spaces
• Creating a cafe culture along High Street by decluttering street furniture and prioritising pedestrian use over cars
• Remodelling Bowen Square car park to create an attractive environment with outdoor seating and flexible event space
• Relocating the bus station and enhancing the space in front of the Shopmobility Centre in New Street
• Making New Street and St James St one-way to reduce road width and provide space for a new safe cycle route and broader footpaths
• Replacing the New Street car park at the rear of Bowen Square with a new building offering small retail units
• Exploring opportunities for a splash park on the New Street Rec, which would also be improved with tree planting and wildflowers, natural play equipment, and public art
• Enhancing Sheaf Street to promote a cafe culture and replacing the pagoda with a new structure to enable small scale events and interactive outdoor uses
• Removing the Foundry Walk roof structure to open up the area to natural light
• Transforming the area around the old gas works car park and disused land off Chaucer Way into a mixed-use development with improved cycle and walking links to the town centre
• Changing the character and speed limit along Eastern Way to encourage cars to slow and give greater priority to pedestrians and cyclists
• Improving links from the town centre to Daventry Country Park, and creating a new public space between the Leisure Centre and council offices in Lodge Road, with pedestrian and cycle priority
• Launching a town-wide e-commerce platform to support and raise the profile of local independent retailers
• Installing catenary lighting - suspended on cables across streets - in certain areas to encourage a positive atmosphere and support the night-time economy
• Introducing new electric charge points for vehicles, as well as active travel equipment storage and parking (including for bikes, electric scooters and buggies) at key points across the town.
There are also plans to create a sustainable transport plan which will set out the long-term approach to integrating walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure in the town centre.
Led by Daventry District Council and Daventry Town Council, the Daventry Town Centre Vision 2035 aims to create a framework for how the town centre can grow and evolve, to help attract investment and development.
The draft Vision has been shaped by the views of more than 600 people who responded to a consultation held in the summer. It also includes input from key stakeholders, including representatives from businesses, councils, and other organisations.
Feedback provided during this second phase of consultation will be used to help create a final Vision, which must be voted on by councillors before it can be introduced.
Councillor David James, Daventry District Council’s Economic, Regeneration and Employment Portfolio Holder, said: “We had a fantastic response to the consultation we held in the summer, with some really interesting and thoughtful ideas put forward. We have put those ideas into this draft Vision, and I would urge people to please find out more by visiting the website and sharing their thoughts with us once again.”
Councillor Lynne Taylor, Mayor of Daventry, said: “I was heartened that so many people commented with their thoughtful views on the first draft of the Daventry Town Centre Vision 35 consultation. I urge our residents to contribute their views once more to refine the final vision, as this document will help to shape and define the future for Daventry.”
People have until midnight on Saturday 10 January to have their say by visiting https://daventry2035.com
People can also request a paper copy of the draft Vision and questionnaire by emailing contact@daventry2035.com or by phoning Daventry Town Council on 01327 301246.
